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pruttm

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Posts posted by pruttm

  1. Animal Race: The Untamed

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Animal Race: The Untamed

     

    I ask because it'd be useful to have the info on the animal types, as well as needing to know how much work I'll need to do with updating information.

     

    I would think that for your purpose, a general write-up from either book would be a good enough springboard to help you start building a humanoid version of some sort of animal.

     

    Heck, I'd probably do google searches and learn about the animal that way and then do the build. These days the Internet has way more info then a typical build of a living thing would have.

     

    Pete

  2. UNITY Unlimited

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: UNITY Unlimited

     

    the best part of JLU was that week's guest stars. Perhaps, to handle things completely different then a regular campaign, the GM would run the big 5 members and the players would get different guest stars to run each adventure. They could even build a few of their own to add to the team. The highlight, though, would be that eventually they'd get to play all the heroes in the CU at some point.

     

    Pete

  4. Champion's Universe or your own

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Champion's Universe or your own

     

    I have these:

     

    My decade long game is a mashup of my own stuff in the main plots and CU stuff in the side plots and some short adventures.

     

    I started running another game a few weeks ago and it is set squarely in the CU. I did this because it is a weekly game and I have a shelf bursting with Hero stuff I have never used. I hope to go A-Z through the stuff and find something to make a story from. The game is for 9-11 year olds.

     

    Lastly, I am working on my CROSS: Agents of the Vatican source book which I will run online next year. This is completely unique material but it could easily be added to the CU if someone wanted to.

  11. Smooth Criminal: An MJ tribute

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Smooth Criminal: An MJ tribute

     

    Now that we have one up, I feel obligated to reload HD on my desktop and build up my version too.

     

    La Rose.

     

    Do it! I'd love to see another take. I had some odd requirements due to my project that you and others wouldn't. Keep them coming. I have rep to burn!

     

    Pete

  13. Confused about 6th edition

    in HERO System Discussion

    Posted

    Re: Confused about 6th edition

     

    The HERO System, 6th Edition: The best just got better! At GenCon 2009 Hero Games will release the Sixth Edition of the award-winning HERO System, in two books: Characters and Combat And Adventuring. Come by the 6E Discussion message forum on the Hero Games Discussion Boards to learn more and offer your opinions and suggestions about how to make the best RPG ever created even better! 2 books, full colour, hardback.

    Author: Steven S. Long

    Tentative Release Date: Mid-2009

     

     

    The HERO System Basic Rulebook: For gamers who don’t need the full Sixth Edition rulebooks all the time, Hero Games presents the Basic Rulebook — the 6E rules boiled down to a 128-page guide. The BR strips out all the options, variants, and expanded rules discussions to present you with the absolute core of the HERO System so you can easily learn the game or find the rule you want.

    Author: Steven S. Long

    Tentative Release Date: Late 2009

     

     

    Advanced Player's guide. Odd rules that don't need to be cluttering up the main books, but should remain in print. This will be 6e rules. May not have any internal artwork. Intended for serious rules wonks. May be at GenCon (and not having artwork makes it more likely that it will be).

  15. Crescendo: The King of Soul (Michael Jackson Tribute)

    in Champions

    Posted

    Hey folks,As I watched the story of the death of Michael Jackson unfold, I couldn't help but think of how his life, good and bad, affected the world. From there it doesn't take too long for it all to turn to role-playing. Sick, huh? Anyway, I am working on a source book that details a secret military organization that works for the Vatican so I wanted it to have some possible value to that project. I decided that a sort of cult often forms around celebrities that reach a certain status. Below, is my offering of one such celebrity. He calls himself Crescendo and happens to use the late King of Pop's schtick to build a growing following that begins to rival other factions of the world that believe they should control the world and its people. Oh, and for lovers and haters of Mr. Jackson, I have left it up to you to decide what his true intentions really are. Enjoy!Crescendo: The King Of SoulVal Char Cost Roll Notes15 STR 5 12- Lift 200.0kg; 3d6 [1]23 DEX 39 14- OCV: 8/DCV: 820 CON 20 13-10 BODY 0 11-15 INT 5 12- PER Roll 12-15 EGO 10 12- ECV: 535 PRE 0 16- PRE Attack: 7d610 COM 0 11-5/7 PD 2 Total: 5/7 PD (0/2 rPD)4/6 ED 0 Total: 4/6 ED (0/2 rED)6 SPD 27 Phases: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 1212 REC 1090 END 2547 STUN 19 Total Characteristic Cost: 162Movement: Running: 6"/12" Leaping: 3"/6" Swimming: 2"/4" Teleportation: 25"/50"Cost Powers END24 Let's Dance: Elemental Control, 60-point powers, (30 Active Points); all slots Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4)24 1) Attacks Miss Or Hit The Attacker's Teammate: Missile Deflection (Any Ranged Attack), Missile Reflection, Reflect At Any Target (50 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4)24 2) Feel The Beat: +25 PRE (25 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4)24 3) Ews and Ahs: Change Environment 64" radius, -4 to Normal Sight PER Rolls, -2 to Normal Hearing PER Rolls, Multiple Combat Effects, Varying Combat Effects (60 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4) 624 4) Video Cut: Teleportation 25", Position Shift (55 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4) 524 5) Create Frenzied Devoted: Major Transform 1d6 (Heals Back With Absence Of Music), Area Of Effect (4" Radius; +1), MegaScale (1" = 10,000 km; Via Live Radio, TV and Concert Performances; +1 1/4), Can Be Scaled Down 1" = 1km (+1/4) (52 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4) 5200 6) Change Humans To Dancing Loyal Followers: (Total: 787 Active Cost, 222 Real Cost) Major Transform 10d6, Improved Results Group (Any Clothes and Additional Character Points; +1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Area Of Effect (30" Radius; +1) (450 Active Points); In The Absense Of Music, Heals Back REC Per Turn (-2), Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Effect Roll is At 1/2 On Pretty Women; -1/4) (Real Cost: 138) plus Major Transform 10d6, Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4), Area Of Effect (19" Radius; +1) (337 Active Points); In The Absense Of Music, Heals Back REC Per Turn (-2), Linked (Change Humans To Skilled Dancers; Lesser Power can only be used when character uses greater Power at full value; -3/4), Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Effect Roll is At 1/2 On Pretty Women; -1/4) (Real Cost: 84) 15 7 Billy Club: Hand-To-Hand Attack +2d6 (10 Active Points); Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/2) 140 Pop Music Fills The Area: Change Environment 128" radius, -1 to Normal Hearing PER Rolls, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (60 Active Points); Incantations (Requires Incantations throughout; -1/2)20 Feed Followers With Choreography: Mind Link , Human class of minds, Specific Group of Minds, No LOS Needed20 Things Go Right When Performing: Luck 5d6 (25 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1/4)6 Aviator Sunglasses: Sight Group Flash Defense (6 points)12 Instant Change: Cosmetic Transform 2d6, Improved Results Group (Any Clothes; +1/4) (12 Active Points) 14 Clothing: Armor (2 PD/2 ED) (6 Active Points); Activation Roll 14- (-1/2)20 +5 HTH Damage Class(es)4 Elbow +2 +0 10d6 Strike4 Martial Block +2 +2 Block, Abort4 Martial Disarm -1 +1 Disarm; 50 STR to Disarm3 Martial Grab -1 -1 Grab Two Limbs, 50 STR for holding on4 Martial Strike +0 +2 10d6 Strike4 Martial Dodge -- +5 Dodge, Affects All Attacks, Abort3 Martial Throw +0 +1 8d6 +v/5, Target Falls4 Shove +0 +0 55 STR to Shove3 Take Down +2 +1 8d6 Strike; You Fall, Target Falls10 Weapon Element: Axes, Maces, Hammers, and Picks, Blades, Chain & Rope Weapons, Clubs, Karate Weapons, Mourn Staff, Ninja Weapons, Off Hand, Rings, StaffsPerks21 Contact: Celebrities, Organization Contact (x3) (21 Active Points) 16-90 Devoted Fans: Follower3 Leader of MJ's Way: Reputation (A large group) 14-, +1/+1d65 Money: Well OffTalents3 Absolute Range Sense3 Ambidexterity (-2 Off Hand penalty)3 Bump Of Direction36 Combat Luck (18 PD/18 ED)10 Fascination11 Inspire3 Perfect PitchSkills11 Acrobatics 18-3 Acting 16-11 Breakfall 18-3 Contortionist 14-3 Climbing 14-9 +3 with Martial Maneuvers12 Don't Bother Me While I'm Dancing: +5 with DCV (25 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Only When Music Is Playing; -1)6 Borrowed Weapons: +1 with HTH and Ranged Combat3 Disguise 12-3 Fast Draw 14-9 KS: Recording Industry 18-7 Persuasion 18-3 Mimicry 12-9 PS: Singer 18-9 PS: Dancer 18-9 PS: choreography 18-7 PS: Director 16-7 Seduction 18-2 Oratory 16- (3 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a fourth of its effectiveness (Only While Singing; -1/4)8 WF: Common Martial Arts Melee Weapons, Common Melee Weapons, Common Missile Weapons, Small ArmsTotal Powers & Skill Cost: 838Total Cost: 1000200+ Disadvantages10 Distinctive Features: Dresses Like Michael Jackson With The Addition Of A White Face Mask (Easily Concealed; Always Noticed and Causes Major Reaction; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)0 Hunted: Local Police 8- (As Pow; Limited Geographical Area; Watching)10 Hunted: Church Of Scientology 8- (Mo Pow; NCI; Watching)15 Reputation: Celebrity, 14-10 Social Limitation: Some In Society Have Mixed Feelings Towards His Stated Goal to Carry On Michael's Vision (Frequently; Minor)755 Experience PointsTotal Disadvantage Points: 1000Background/History: On July 7th, 2009, at the Los Angeles Staples Center, the memorial began for singer Michael Jackson who died of cardiac arrest two weeks earlier. Fans and celebrities, alike, sobbed to numerous stories by friends and family of Jackson. The two hour service was sad, touching and full of sincerity about the late King of Pop. As the last presenter approached the podium to close the service, all the lights went out.

     

    Six seconds later, massive fireworks lit up the arena and spotlights hit the stage. A man dressed as Michael Jackson stood at center stage with a signature fedora striking a classic Michael Jackson pose. Six dancers struck the same pose around him. Then the spectacle began, a medley of mega-hit Jackson songs filled the arena as this faux Michael and his backup dancers performed the most complex of Jackson’s moves to perfection. Planted audience members hit the stage and joined into the choreography and expanded the size of the unexpected production. All the while, explosions, colored lights and fog heightened the experience to an epic frenzy.

     

    At first, the audience was not sure that they thought this performance was in good taste, but the perfection of the performance grew on them and, in no time, their tears of sadness because ones of joy. The performance lasted for thirty minutes, ending in darkness just like it started. Then a single shaft of light bathed the Michael impersonator in a pure white glow.

     

    He could be clearly seen now, there was no doubting his height and build were identical to the true Michael and his costume looked as if it was directly out of Jackson’s closet. However, there was one difference, underneath the long curly locks of his Smooth Criminal doo, he wore a skintight white mask over his face. He looked from one end of the arena to the other. Through the tight mask, the closest to the stage could see a growing smile. Then he cleared his throat and spoke in the dulcet tones of the late Michael Jackson.

     

    “Please call me Crescendo. I am here to pay tribute to Michael Jackson. He was a genius as an entertainer, but he was much more than that. He was a compassionate and caring individual. He cared about this world and everyone in it. He devoted time to over a dozen charity organizations and created his own as well. However, his shy and innocent ways were exploited time and time again which stifled his dream to truly help the world. Now he is dead. Killed by the cruelty of a world that didn’t understand him. Well, I say, the dream doesn’t have to die with him! Do we let the world forget him? Do we let those bullies win? I call on each and everyone of you to look into your heart and see if there isn’t a yearning to see Michael’s dream become reality. It’s time to make a difference.”

     

    With that, a furious rendition of “Beat It” roared through the arena. Finally, the concert memorial ended with an explosion of sound, light and confetti.

     

    All of the television screens displayed, “JOIN CRESCENDO AT MJ’s Way at MJWAY.COM ”.

     

    The confetti pieces were actually business cards, that duplicated the words on the television screens. The audience realized what they were and scooped them up and stuffed them into their pockets. The Performance was done and Crescendo was gone, but the media frenzy began almost immediately. Cell phone videos of the performance hit the news and the Internet immediately. MJWAY.COM was saturated with surfers causing Internet bottlenecks and slowdowns throughout the world. The website was a slick and easy to navigate portal that explained the purpose of MJ’s Way. They are listed here.

     

    JACKO’S TEN

     

    I Children are the future, provide for them at any cost.

    II Religion is your savior, but do not become hindered by its Earthly trappings.

    III Honor your parents, they are a gift to you as much as you were a gift to them.

    IV We are all human, embrace the similarities and at the same time enjoy the diversity.

    V Government works for you, not the other way around.

    VI Life is precious, find ways to preserve yours and everyone else’s.

    VII You can’t enjoy money by holding on to it, you can only enjoy money by spending it on others.

    VIII Art is an expression of the uniqueness of man, nurture it and never let its spark wane.

    IX Enjoy your time on Earth, it was a gift.

    X Sing and Dance!

     

     

    The site also went on to list a dozen projects that were being launched over the next few months and provided ways to donate money or time to help.

     

    Free concerts were played all over the world and the music of Michael Jackson, rose to an all new high. Crescendo, now called “Crash” by his fans, was embraced with open arms by a new and returning legion of fans that love Michael Jackson and the mystery of this masked singing wonder. People left their jobs, their homes and sometimes their marriages to see the concerns or join up with one of MJ’s projects. The age range of followers were said to be between twelve and eighty and numbering over one-hundred thousand.

     

    Crescendo: The King of Soul now had an army of loyal followers. Would he change the world?Personality/Motivation: The true person and his personality behind the mask is a mystery that is left up to the GM to create. Does he plan to bilk these MJ lovers for all they’re worth? Is he a failed musician that needed to steal someone else’s career to have one of his own? Is he a loyal MJ fan himself and wants to change the world like Michael did. Its up to you.Quote: "Michael Jackson was the picture of innocence and wouldn't hurt a fly. I am not Michael Jackson."Powers/Tactics: Crescendo’s power Create Frenzied Devoted is his main power which he uses to virally attract followers to MJ’s Way. This power works over time and has created a massive following to use for his plans. In closer quarters, Crescendo can uses his Change Humans To Dancing Loyal Followers to create an impromptu team of followers to protect and dispatch any threat. Crescendo himself, must sing and dance for most of his powers to function and he seems to do this without effort. His Luck, Missile Reflection, Combat Luck and high DCV make him nearly impossible to touch. If he intends to go on the offensive rather then letting his followers do the work, he will can produce a billy club from the air or grab and redirect other foci from his enemies.Campaign Use: Primarily, Crescendo and MJ’s Way will begin to rival other religions, if not in size, in newness, marketing and pizzazz. As explained above, it is up the GM to decide the true intensions of the man behind the mask. Regardless, Crescendo is quickly becoming the most popular celebrity in the world and his organization is causing a stir in organized religion, a disruption in the bonding of some families, and an instability of some fortune 500 companies. Needless to say, there are high level discussions on this impact and how to make it cease. At the very least, MJ’s way could become very important to a young PC or DNPC which could generate a unique adventure or two.Appearance: Crescendo wears clothing identical to or derived from Michaels stage or video outfits. His skin color is completely obscured and under his fedora he wears a very thin and tight white mask over his facial features. He speaks in Michael’s distinctive voice completing a perfect impersonation of the late King of Pop.

  17. Post-Apocalypse NPCs

    in Other Genres

    Posted

    Re: Post-Apocalypse NPCs

     

    "Other tales speak of strange tentacled beasts with large bulging eyes looking more like blobs than Earth creatures." :D

     

     

    I don't think it is fair that you mention this creature without building it. I say you stop what you are doing and write it up. Who's with me?

  21. CROSS: Agents Of The Vatican Project

    in Champions

    Posted

    I have decided to post some of the components of my CROSS: Agents Of The Vatican Project here for comments. The general idea is that the material will comprise a source book that can be used in conjunction with standard superhero games. The main organization in the book is CROSS which would be similar to PRIMUS, but attached to the Vatican rather than the U.S. Government. Obviously, there will be strong ties to Western religion for this group which will bring out enemies that may offer a unique flavor to a superhero game.

     

    I will be starting with one character that will likely oppose CROSS, at least in the early days. I am open to criticism on the character build, writing style, background elements or whatever you notice that is especially bad (or good!). I am trying to improve the quality of my characters and a good way is through constructive criticism. Don't worry. I won't cry much.

     

    The Samurai

    Val Char Cost Roll Notes

    15 STR 5 12- Lift 200.0kg; 3d6 [1]

    23 DEX 39 14- OCV: 8/DCV: 8

    25 CON 30 14-

    10 BODY 0 11-

    15 INT 5 12- PER Roll 12-

    20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7

    15 PRE 5 12- PRE Attack: 3d6

    12 COM 1 11-

     

    8/38 PD 5 Total: 8/38 PD (0/30 rPD)

    5/35 ED 0 Total: 5/35 ED (0/30 rED)

    6 SPD 27 Phases: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12

    11 REC 6

    50 END 0

    34 STUN 3 Total Characteristic Cost: 146

     

    Movement: Running: 6"/12"

    Flight: 30"/60"

    Leaping: 3"/6"

    Swimming: 2"/4"

    Teleportation: 10"/20"

     

    Cost Powers END

    187 Variable Power Pool, 150 base + 75 control cost, Powers Can Be Changed As A Half-Phase Action (+1/2) (262 Active Points); Limited Power Power looses about half of its effectiveness (The Spirts Can Deny Power Choices At Their Leisure; -1/2); all slots OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2)

    0 1) Sear The Enemy's Soul: Killing Attack 3d6, Based On EGO Combat Value (Mental Defense applies; +1) (90 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), No Range (-1/2), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 30 9

    0 2) Ten Thousand Minds Shriek: Ego Attack 4d6, Area Of Effect (9" Cone; +1) (80 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 32 8

    0 3) Sea Of Souls: Darkness to Sight and Mental Groups 6" radius, Personal Immunity (+1/4) (81 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 32 8

    0 4) Barrage Of Souls: Sight Group Flash 9d6, Area Of Effect (10" Cone; +1) (90 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 36 9

    0 5) Blanket Of Minds: Entangle 8d6, 8 DEF (Stops A Given Sense Group Mental Group) (90 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 36 9

    0 6) Wall Of Wailing Souls: (Total: 89 Active Cost, 35 Real Cost) Force Wall (10 PD/10 ED/6 Mental Defense; 4" long and 1" tall) (71 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) (Real Cost: 28) plus Hearing Group Flash 3d6, Area Of Effect (4" Line; +1) (18 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) (Real Cost: 7) Real Cost: 35 9

    0 7) Ten Thousand Mind Chatter & Confuse: Mind Control 9d6, Area Of Effect (10" Cone; +1) (90 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Only To Confuse Target; -1), OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 26 9

    0 8) Great Minds Think Alike: Telekinesis (60 STR) (90 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 36 9

    0 9) Souls Will Deflect Harm From Their Master: (Total: 80 Active Cost, 32 Real Cost) Missile Deflection (Any Ranged Attack), Uncontrolled (Danny Must "Stir" The Souls so they Can Continue To Missile Deflect Or The Power Fades In One Turn; +1/2) (30 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) (Real Cost: 12) plus +10 with Missile Deflection (50 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) (Real Cost: 20) Real Cost: 32

    0 10) Summon Samurai Warriors: Summon 64 300-point creatures (90 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 36 9

    0 11) Souls Animate The Dead: Summon 1,024 200-point creatures (90 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Dead Must Within Twenty Meters Of The Katana; -1), OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 26 9

    0 12) Souls Animate Exoskeletons: Summon 16 350-point creatures (90 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Exoskeletons Must Within Twenty Meters Of The Katana; -1), OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 26 9

    0 13) Swirling Shield Of Souls: Force Field (20 PD/20 ED/20 Mental Defense) (60 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 24 6

    0 14) Instant Change: Cosmetic Transform 2d6 (standard effect: 6 points) (10 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Limited Power Power loses about a third of its effectiveness (Clothes Being Worn; -1/2), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 3 1

    0 15) Escort Through The Spirit World: Teleportation 10" (20 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 8 2

    0 16) Warhorse Of Spirts: Flight 30" (60 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 24 6

    0 17) Spirits Heal Their Master: Healing BODY 6d6 (60 Active Points); No Conscious Control (-2), OAF (Katana; -1), Side Effects, Side Effect occurs automatically whenever Power is used (Transform User Into A Christian;Resets With A Good Deed; -1/2) Real Cost: 13 6

     

    5 Soul Energy: Endurance Reserve (100 END, 1 REC) Reserve: (11 Active Points); OAF (Katana; -1), Limited Power Power loses about a third of its effectiveness (The Spirts Can Deny This Power At Their Leisure; -1/2)

    30 Amakusa Shiro's Katana: Multipower, 60-point reserve, (60 Active Points); all slots OAF (-1)

    3u 1) Cutting Edge Of The Blade: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 4d6 (5d6 w/STR) (60 Active Points); OAF (-1) 6

    1u 2) Flat Of The Blade: Hand-To-Hand Attack +4d6, Usable By Other (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4) (30 Active Points); OAF (-1), Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/2) 1

    2u 3) Hilt Of The Blade: Hand-To-Hand Attack +6d6, Usable By Other (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4) (45 Active Points); OAF (-1), Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/2) 2

    40 Cut To The Soul: Energy Blast 6d6, No Normal Defense (10 Points Of Mental Defense; +1), Does BODY (+1) (90 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a third of its effectiveness (The Spirits Can Deny This Power At Their Leisure; -1/2), No Range (-1/2), Linked (Cutting Edge Of The Blade; -1/4) 9

    13 Handgun: RKA 2d6 (30 Active Points); OAF (-1), 12 Charges (-1/4) [12]

    20 Wakizashi: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 2 1/2d6 (3 1/2d6 w/STR) (40 Active Points); OAF (-1) 4

    20 Kevlar & Ceramic Samurai Armour: Armor (10 PD/10 ED) (30 Active Points); OIF (-1/2)

    12 +3 HTH Damage Class(es)

    4 Atemi Strike -1 +1 3 1/2d6 NND

    5 Defensive Block +1 +3 Block, Abort

    5 Breaking Throw -2 -2 Grab One Limb; HKA 1d6 , Disable; Target Falls

    4 Martial Disarm -1 +1 Disarm; 40 STR to Disarm

    4 Martial Escape +0 +0 45 STR vs. Grabs

    3 Joint Lock +0 -1 Grab One Limb; 25 STR for holding on

    4 Joint Lock/Throw +1 +0 Grab One Limb; 2 1/2d6 NND ; Target Falls

    3 Legsweep +2 -1 7d6 Strike, Target Falls

    3 Sacrifice Throw +2 +1 6d6 Strike; You Fall, Target Falls

    4 Shime -2 +0 Grab One Limb; 3 1/2d6 NND

    3 Slam +0 +1 6d6 +v/5, Target Falls

    4 Martial Strike +0 +2 8d6 Strike

    3 Takedown +1 +1 6d6 Strike; Target Falls

    1 Weapon Element: Blades

     

    Perks

    35 Underlings: Follower

    5 Money: Well Off

     

    Skills

    10 +2 with HTH Combat

    4 +2 with any single attack

    9 Soul Powers: +3 with any three maneuvers or a tight group of attacks

    3 Acting 12-

    3 Bribery 12-

    3 Breakfall 14-

    3 High Society 12-

    3 Fast Draw 14-

    2 Forgery (Documents) 12-

    3 Gambling 12-

    3 Interrogation 12-

    3 AK: Japan 12-

    4 KS: Yakuzu Underworld 13-

    3 KS: History Of Jujutsu 12-

    6 KS: History Of The Samurai 15-

    0 Language: English (Completely Fluent, w/Accent) (3 Active Points)

    7 Riding 16-

    11 Streetwise 16-

    3 Tactics 12-

    3 Teamwork 14-

    6 WF: Common Melee Weapons, Handguns, Lances, Staffs, Whips

    0 TF: Equines

     

    Total Powers & Skill Cost: 515

    Total Cost: 661

     

    200+ Disadvantages

    10 Distinctive Features: Tarso Tattoos (Easily Concealed; Always Noticed and Causes Major Reaction; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)

    5 Distinctive Features: Dresses As A Sword Wielding Samurai (Easily Concealed; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)

    15 Enraged: Government Interference (Common), go 8-, recover 11-

    15 Hunted: Yakuza Superiors 11- (Mo Pow; NCI; Watching)

    10 Hunted: Japanese Government 11- (Mo Pow; Watching)

    15 Psychological Limitation: Ambitious and Manipulative (Common; Strong)

    15 Psychological Limitation: Dislike Of Japanese Government (Very Common; Moderate)

    15 Psychological Limitation: Overconfidence (Common; Strong)

    10 Psychological Limitation: The Sword Can Influence Danny's Actions (Common; Moderate)

    15 Psychological Limitation: Will Sacrifice Himself For His Superiors (Common; Strong)

    15 Reputation: Yakuza, 14- (Extreme; Known Only To A Small Group)

    15 Social Limitation: Subject To Yakuza Orders (Frequently; Major)

    306 Experience Points

     

    Total Disadvantage Points: 661

     

    Background/History: Danny Hara is a member of the Japanese organized crime syndicate known as the Yakuza. Danny is an enforcer in Nagasaki, Japan where he runs gambling dens, bars and other illicit activities for the Yakuza. Friends and enemies of Hara often call him The Samurai and it is with good reason. Danny has a very personal tie to the samurai because he is the only living descendant of Amakusa Shiro, Samurai leader of the Shimabara Rebellion. Peasants in the Shimabara region were chaffing against the Shogunate lords that ruled the area. Taxation was at its height, famine strangled the land and as a final straw the lords outlawed the practice of Christianity which was the predominate religion in the region. The peasants decided to revolt and were aided by Amakusa and a small army of other masterless samurai. With the help of these expert warriors, they had a number of victories, but the Shogunate managed to raise armies from neighboring areas and push the peasant army back.

     

    Their last stand was from Hara Castle which was fortified by wood taken from the ships they used to reach the island. They survived numerous attacks and even cannon fire from a nearby ship for many months. Eventually, their lack of food supplies became their enemy and they weakened enough for the Shogunate forces to overrun the castle. The Shogunate beheaded the 37,000 rebels, burned their bodies and the castle to the ground. To show their displeasure in rebellion, The Shogunate publicly displayed the head of Amakusa on a pike to discourage future rebellions.

     

    Danny had a Japanese tattoo artist wrap this story around his torso in honor of the death of his ancestor. This link has allowed Danny to rise quickly through the ranks of the Yakuza because many of them believe that early clans of the Yakuza were originated by masterless samurai. There is some credence to this because during the Meiji Restoration era in Japan, The samurai class was abolished. The government slowly took away all of the things that set the samurai apart from peasants. Many accepted the change and found jobs within the new government, the army or the police force, but a few revolted against this new government. Many died in armed conflict against the new army, but some became outcasts that evolved into criminals supplying the Japanese people with things that were outlawed by the new government.

     

    Modern Yakuza feel they are outcasts just like the Meiji samurai and they display this in their name which means “Bad Fortune” or “Bad Hands of Society”. Today, they run massive rings of prostitution, business “protection”, and the trafficking of drugs, guns, human body parts and cybernetics.

     

    Currently, Danny has the position of shateigashira-hosa – assistant to a regional yakuza boss. With this title he has considerable influence over criminal activities in the area and has inroads to various legitimate businessmen and government officials. As with many Yakuza families, Danny’s Yakuza clan also has their hand in a number of legitimate businesses that they can use to hide their illegal operations or just improve their image. A few years ago, one of Danny’s jobs was to run a number of sporting arenas used heavily for Japanese Professional Wrestling.

     

    Tetsuo Fuduka, Manager of the Nagasaki Statistics Division, was a huge wrestling fan and approached Danny for a loan to get a new promotion underway to tour Danny’s arenas. The promotion flopped and Fudaku had no way to pay the money back. To avoid the violence that was coming, Fuduka worked behind the scenes to secure some unused land as part of another government initiative. He offered Danny, the remains of Hara Castle and the surrounding area as payment for the debt. Danny knew he was having his ego stroked, but it was an interesting proposition. The land was considered haunted by the neighboring people and Japan had never attempted to build upon the land due to the atrocity or the haunting. However, Danny was sure that if the sole ancestor of the land used the area for something it would be a hit and maybe another legitimate entertainment business for his family.

     

    Two days later, he set out with six of his most trusted bodyguards to investigate this new property. Hara Castle was just ruins with only a few stone lines markings the foundation of the structure. Regardless, Danny arrived and set up camp within the confines of the castle’s boundary. It was late and so after a quick meal, the group slept intending to more thoroughly investigate the area in the morning.

     

    Danny awoke to the sound of a scream and rushed out of his tent. He peered into the moonlit night and was astonished to discover that all of his bodyguards were lying dead in front of his tent. Drawing his gun, he looked around for their murderer. The night was still and nothing moved in the dull light. He looked down at his men and discovered that they were positioned around an ornate katana that rested on its decorated stand. Slowly, he put away his gun and picked up the katana. The sword fit perfectly in his hand and he waved it around enjoying its perfect weight. Then, as if in a dream, the stroke of the sword left behind a billowing cloud of smoke that solidified into thousands of Japanese in ancient garb. The crowd was cheering the name Shiro, savior and Son of God. Undaunted by the strangeness of the situation, Danny looked at the blade and wondered if this could really be Amakusa Shiro’s sword. Testing his theory, Danny raised the sword above his head and the crowd went wild. He returned their cheers with his denouncement of the shogunate. Samurai came from the crowd and knelt before him. Just like his Yakuza subordinates, was Danny now master to these samurai? He rallied the crowd once again returning their chants. In the frenzy the scene began to blur again. He watched as the samurai and then the rest of the peasants faded into smoke and returned to the sword. Once again, the night was silent. He fell to his knees still grasping the katana. Was this really Shiro’s katana in his hands? Did he really see all the poor souls that were slaughtered by the Shogunate enter into the blade? He had to know.

     

    Danny stood up and waved the sword once again – commanding it. As if he had been doing it all his life, six ghostly souls erupted from the blade and entered into the dead men. Each of them stirred to their feet and approached Danny. Then they bowed to him and asked for his orders. Danny laughed into the dim light. He knew he could now be the most powerful Yakuza in their long history. However, unknown to Danny, this Christian blade may have other aspirations.

     

    Personality/Motivation: Danny is an extremely driven and violent man. While he has many friends, anyone that crosses him or other members of the Yakuza will be off that list and likely dead. His goal is to rise as high in the ranks of the Yakuza as he can. His work ethic and cleverness have been great assets to put him on the fast track. Now, with Shiro’s katana be believes he can offer even more to his superiors and move through their ranks even faster. Unfortunately for Danny, the blade has its own aspirations. To all intents and purposes, the blade can be considered somewhat sentient as it embodies the will of the people during the Shimabara revolt. Now, the blade is anti-government which would align well with some of Danny’s orientation. However, the blade is also Christian and will fight for those ideals. The blade has no mercy for evil and is intolerant of harm towards the innocent. At times, this could cause the sword to engage its influence upon Danny. With time, Danny could evolve into something very different then he currently intends.

     

    Quote: “I am samurai. I am Yakuza. In a moment you will be but a memory.”

     

    Powers/Tactics: Danny has mastered the soul powers of his sword and can use it to create temporary armies to accomplish his goals. He is a decent swordsman, as he has trained heavily over the years to compliment his nickname of The Samurai. In general, he will engage late in any combat and will use his minions for cover if he feels a need to extract himself.

     

    Campaign Use: Today, Danny is a master villain and could easily be used in an adventure in Japan or anywhere that the Yakuza operates, for that matter. His motivations will likely conflict with any normal superhero. However, the Christian blade gives him a facet that may see some change in Danny over the course of a campaign. A GM may want to slowly change Danny’s ambitions from strictly Yakuza goals to the preservation of innocents, Christians and Christian ideals. He may also become aware of corruption in government and the Roman Catholic Church that could influence his plans. In general, he is unstable and may be useful as a villain or a hero in any longer running campaign.

     

    Appearance: Danny wears a black suit and white shirt over his extensive Tattoos depicted the Shimabara Rebellion. As The Samurai, he wears gold armor with black accents. However with each good deed he performs the black mysteriously grows paler. His pants are embroidered with scenes of the battle at Hara Castle and his black and gold handled katana and Wakizashi are tied security only his black belt.

  24. Most Clever Hero System Builds

    in HERO System Discussion

    Posted

    Re: Most Clever Hero System Builds

     

    The Engineer from Villainy Amok

    I liked this character from the first time I saw the sheet. She has a great picture, a tragic origin and it is tied well into the CU to make PCs have some level of attachment to her right away. As for the build, this was a very solid attempt to handle the difficult task of doing Machine Control. As many have said on the board, this is handled many different ways because there isn't a clear and obvious way to build it. She has a solid set of powers that cover the abilities of this type of character well. I especially like the small touch of the mental defense being due to her human/machine mind. I also like the invisibility to machines power. Very useful.

  25. Most Clever Hero System Builds

    in HERO System Discussion

    Posted

    I'd like to read some character builds that you folks think are clever, interesting, innovative, etc.

     

    They can be posted in this forum, in another thread or in a Hero System book. I don't care about genre or power level or anything. I trust you. I just want to spend my time reading some interesting builds.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Pete

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