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Jason S.Walters

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Everything posted by Jason S.Walters

  1. Author Dale W. Robbins has sent us seven new adventure and character books for this groundbreaking Meriquai Falls Champions setting, including a free one that he created for Free RPG Day. This setting was explored back-in-the-day in five different issues of Digital Hero (2, 3, 4, 6, and 39 to be specific), and has been releasing material ever sense. If you would like to have a look at his work, check HERE.
  2. Throughout history people have followed and served the gods. There are those who are fanatical and those who only slightly believe. There are also those whose faith allows them to perform wondrous acts or even miracles. These individuals are called Divine Mages, Priests or Clerics. These individuals can make water safe to drink, heal wounds and even cure diseases or blindness. They have the ability to find and disperse the undead as well. They can do all these things because of the faith and servitude to their deity. In this tome are 118 spells available to those who serve the whims of a god. Also Available with Hero Designer Files.
  3. As many of you already know, Hero Games currently has a project running on Kickstarter. With six days remaining it (at last count) has 430 backers and is 74% funded. Thus we are tantalizingly close but not over the finish line just yet. So obviously I want all of you to back this project. Equally obviously, a sizable minority of you object to this project, and have strongly voiced those objections on various forums, including the Facebook Hero System fan group. So I thought it might be a good idea for state why I personally, as a publisher, would like to see Champions Now come to fruition, and what the long term benefits of its existence might be. Let me start by explaining how this project came into existence. Originally, Ron Edwards came to Steve Long and proposed the idea of Hero Games publishing his own version of Champions, based in the roots of the game from the 1980s but updated with more modern storytelling techniques. Steve then brought the idea to me and, after discussing it with the company director, we decided this would not only be an interesting little project, but might work well for the other half of our business: the rpg small press distributor Indie Press Revolution. (More on that later.) That’s it. It’s not a profound statement of anything else. I just thought it would be neat. Ron Edwards is an important figure in the early history of self-published, independently produced roleplaying games. The Forge – the website he helped to create – was and remains incredibly influential on subsequent game design. Two of the games which came out of that school of designers – My Life With Master and Dogs In The Vineyard – permanently changed the way I look at rpgs. He’s also a profound thinker about the nature and experience of roleplaying games. I personally found his GNS theory of how roleplaying games work to be both helpful and inspirational in my own work. Also, I personally like Ron. He has interesting things to say about roleplaying games and comic books. Like a lot of the storytelling crowd, his writing technique is brash, personal, informal, and even confrontational: very different from what Hero Games has typically published throughout its long existence. And that’s part of the point. In my time as the publisher of Hero Games I’ve focused my energies on four things. One, get out a Hero System book about once year – even if it meant publishing it myself for various reasons. Two, encourage third party designers and publishers to release Hero System material. Three, preserve the history of Hero Games by getting older products released in PDF format, and newer ones made available through print-on-demand when their print runs sell through. And, finally, four: get new players to try the Hero System, and old ones who have moved on to other games to come back and try it again. This last part is the important one to Champions Now: I wanted to publish a product that would simultaneously interest some older players, while encouraging the generally younger fans who purchase books from Indie Press Revolution to give a form of Champions a try. These are typically players who are much more interested in immediacy and narrative, but much less interested in constructing beautifully conceived characters out of math and rules. Ron knows both fan groups well, because he’s been a part of both since their beginnings. So he seems like the man for the job to me. If we succeed and, over the course of a year of playtesting, create something unique and special that catches the imagination of the small press fans and game designers, who knows where it might lead? In my capacity as general manager of IPR, I’ve seen dozens of games spin off from systems pioneered in products like Apocalypse World and Spirit of the Century. It would be nice to see something like that happen for Champions, even if its in a form that some of you might not find to completely to your tastes. That would be a nice legacy for Hero Games to have, as well as for me to personally leave behind. So, for those of you who have voiced your opposition to this project, please consider reconsidering. I’m attempting to do something creative and productive here as a publisher, not invalidate your many years of enjoying the fourth, fifth, and sixth editions of the Hero System. Give it a try and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe by participating you’ll help to create something you can be enthusiastic about after all. Jason Walters, Publisher
  4. Many villains are always in the news; many are always on our minds. Some however, have not been seen for years and to some this means that they are retired, in jail or dead. Only if this was in fact the truth of the matter, but it isn’t. Many villains have gone into hiding while others are simply enjoying the fruits of their labor. Some are sitting on a secluded beach getting a tan or perhaps amusing themselves in a casino or nightclub in a friendly country. Still others are upgrading their tech or learning some new ricks to use on heroes and law enforcement. The truth is that all villains aren’t created or driven in the same way. Here you will find villains of old back from their self induced hiatus and ready to pounce on the world again. Villains from some of Hero Games older material that have yet to be upgraded to 6th edition. Some of your favorite or perhaps “lightly” use villains perfect to inject into a new Champions campaign. In this installment 6th edition stats for Griffin, Halfjack and Hideous will be given including Hero Designer files & printable cardboard miniatures.
  5. Tired of your lackeys falling like flies to the superheroes of the world? Tired of those dim witted UNTIL agents having better equipment than your agents? Then you have come to the right place here at TITechCorp we are dedicated to creating the best weapons, armor and other equipment money can buy. So stop by today and pick up the latest blaster or force belt and get a jump on those pesky do-gooders. And remember your satisfaction is guaranteed or we won’t see you again. This small list of equipment to add to your Champions campaign includes Hero Designer files.
  6. The Kazei Five (i.e. K5) Worldbook is designed to allow a Game Master to create and run a campaign using elements common to many near-future cyberpunk anime. For the Hero System 4th Edition.
  7. Actually, I've worked very hard at making certain 6th Edition (and even some 5th Edition) books are made available print-on-demand via DriveThruRPG when we sell through their print runs. In fact, the only reason the core 6th Ed rules aren't currently available that way is because Ruben and I had to recently redo their layout to fix some problems. But they will never really go out of print. This isn't a nostalgia project - or, at least, not mostly one. In fact, Ron removed much of my "nostalgia" text from the Story within the project. Rather, Ron came to us with a proposal. He wanted to back to the deep roots of the Hero System - back before the 4th, 5th, and 6th Editions - and create his own modern version of Champions, informed by storytelling and other narrative influences. And, being that Ron is the guy that created THIS and did THIS, we decided that it sounded like a fun idea. Which is why we're doing it.
  8. With any luck you won't *need* Hero Designer for Champions Now!
  9. The first wave of role-playing design was its own Renaissance, marked by greatness of all kinds. If you were playing then, you'll remember. And if you weren't, you'd be amazed at what that wave held. One of them was Champions, the Super Role-Playing Game. Hero Games is proud to present Champions Now, to be created by pioneering game designer Ron Edwards, author of Sorcerer and co-founder of The Forge. Ron will revisit the original three editions of first-generation Champions (1981 to 1988), recovering the power of this foundational era of superhero roleplaying. To learn more, including reading a playtest document and watching videos, head over to Kickstarter. If you like what you see, please back our ambitious, fan-inclusive project. With this announced, I thought it might be prudent to explain what Champions Now will – and won’t – be. Is This The Hero System 7th Edition? No. This is exactly what it says it is: a version of Champions inspired by its earliest roots in 80’s gaming, yet updated for the 21st Century. Technically speaking, it’s not even a “Hero System” product, because Champions predates the Hero System as an independent game engine, which was born out of it. Does It Replace The Hero System 6th Edition? No. Nor the fifth or fourth editions, either. Each of these versions of the Hero System has its own feel, style of play, storied history, and large number of support products. We still sell them, support them, and will continue to do so. (I’m personally still publishing Hero System 6E material.) If you like them, please continue to play them. We wouldn't ask you to do otherwise. Is This First Edition Champions? No. Well, not exactly. A lot has happened in roleplaying game design and theory in the last forty years, and Champions Now will take this into account. Unusually for a version of Champions, Ron is placing a large focus on character play and development through play, but far less on mechanical character creation. This is his vision of Champions, informed by the important work done by himself and other small press game designers over the last decade. It isn’t simply a reprint or our version of an “OSR” game. Why Ron Edwards? Besides being a Champions fan from way back, Ron is considered by many to be the father of the “indie” game movement of designers who self-publish their work, which often focus on collaborative storytelling and narration. He is also the author of numerous interesting essays on comic books and roleplaying games, some of which are going to find their way into the pages of Champions Now. You can read some of his work HERE. What is your agenda here? Simple. We thought it would be interesting to see what Ron would do with the early versions of Champions that he loves, and he thought it would be interesting to spend time after the successful conclusion of the Kickstarter project including you - the backers - in what that will eventually mean. I can't answer any further because I don't know yet. You'll have to participate to find out. Jason Walters, Publisher
  10. The first wave of role-playing design was its own Renaissance, marked by greatness of all kinds. If you were playing then, you'll remember. And if you weren't, you'd be amazed at what that wave held. One of them was Champions, the Super Role-Playing Game. Hero Games is proud to present Champions Now, to be created by pioneering game designer Ron Edwards, author of Sorcerer and co-founder of The Forge. Ron will revisit the original three editions of first-generation Champions (1981 to 1988), recovering the power of this foundational era of superhero roleplaying. To learn more, including reading a playtest document and watching videos, head over to Kickstarter. If you like what you see, please back our ambitious, fan-inclusive project.
  11. Hero System Kickstarter project update. High Rock Press' Champions Character Creation Cards have been completed, reviewed by fans, and are currently in layout. The Champions Character Creation Expansion Deck has been completed, is undergoing fan review, and will be moving on to layout shortly. Thank you for all of your help and support in seeing this project to completion!
  12. Madness. Revenge. Dare to wear the foolish clown face and you will revel in the dreams and nightmares of all who are a witness. Lacey Terra is unleashed: and it is up to the heroes to survive her “antics.” Character is available from DriveThruRPG.
  13. Welcome to the third collection of Wondrous Treasures. Here you find varies magical items to add to you Fantasy Hero campaigns. This collection houses stats for Wondrous Treasures – Belts, Sashes & Girdles Wondrous Treasures – Boots, Bracers & Gauntlets, Wondrous Treasures - Jewelry and Wondrous Treasures – Unique Items. You will also find handy random charts for all these items as well. The ZIP file includes the PDF and Hero Designer files.
  14. Welcome to the inaugural installment of Monster Mash. Here you will find new creatures and/or new takes on old creatures for your Fantasy Hero Campaign. This installment will cover a new creature known as Krylon. Krylons are an insect like race that have suddenly appeared in the Realm. Here is information on some of the Krylons that have been spotted in the realm. They are dangerous creatures and coming is several different forms. They will kill any creature they can for food, cows, rabbits or humans. These creatures could spell the end for the realm and all that inhabit it. Can your players defeat them or at least safe some of the realm from them. These creatures were originally presented in Tome Of Villainy
  15. With the original print run nearly done, Champions Complete is now available POD from RPGNow.
  16. With the original print run nearly done, Champions Complete is now available POD in black-and-white softcover on RPGNow.
  17. A new article from Armchair Gamer. "This culture of experimentation -- and occasional lack of mercy for players when the dice rolls definitively indicate maiming or death -- really drove home the point that you really could build the character you wanted, and have him/her as powerful and competent as you imagined."
  18. With the original print run nearly done, Champions Villains Volume One: Master Villains is now available POD in black-and-white softcover on RPGNow.
  19. With the original print run nearly done, Champions Villains Volume One: Master Villains is now available POD in black-and-white softcover on RPGNow.
  20. Hero Combat Manager Update! There was a bug in the HCM exports which are used by Hero Designer to export data for HCM to consume. This has been fixed.
  21. Hero Combat Manager has been updated! The new version is V1.11 Release Notes for v1.11 New Features Automatically track END for Attack Powers. Bugs: Breaking free from Entangle was not working Aid/Drain wasn't working and caused a crash
  22. Extinction Event, a table-top roleplaying campaign guide for Champions Complete, has funded on Kickstarter! Congratulations to Mad Ferret Games. There are still a couple of days left if you wish to support it. In a world in the grip of shadowy conspiracies, over millennia a strange and secret alien invasion has been shaping the destiny of humankind. From the demise of the Neanderthals to the rise and fall of great cities and cultures, the invaders have sown chaos and confusion. Now, in 2045, their dark plans near fruition. Fractured, distracted, and deceived human societies are almost ripe for conquest. In these twilight years before the coming storm, a new breed of humans with psychic powers walks the earth. They are the soldiers of PALADIN, the acolytes of the Illuminati, and hunted outcasts of society. It’s the stories of their lives that power the adventure that is Extinction Event! The Extinction Event campaign guide provides everything players and game masters (GMs) need to play exciting science fiction conspiracy adventures fraught with military, espionage, and underworld threats. You can become heroes with the special skills, specialized gear, and psychic powers needed to take on the New World Order!
  23. New on Kickstarter! Extinction Event is a table-top roleplaying campaign guide for Champions Complete that introduces the alternate Earth of 2045 — a world in the grip of shadowy conspiracies. Over millennia a strange and secret alien invasion has been shaping the destiny of humankind. From the demise of the Neanderthals to the rise and fall of great cities and cultures, the invaders have sown chaos and confusion. Now, in 2045, their dark plans near fruition. Fractured, distracted, and deceived human societies are almost ripe for conquest. In these twilight years before the coming storm, a new breed of humans with psychic powers walks the earth. They are the soldiers of PALADIN, the acolytes of the Illuminati, and hunted outcasts of society. It’s the stories of their lives that power the adventure that is Extinction Event! The Extinction Event campaign guide provides everything players and game masters (GMs) need to play exciting science fiction conspiracy adventures fraught with military, espionage, and underworld threats. You can become heroes with the special skills, specialized gear, and psychic powers needed to take on the New World Order! Extinction Event makes that easy to experience with Champions Complete compatibility, guidelines that speed-up play, resources for reducing GM prep-time, and art/story elements that can be used with any roleplaying rules. Back it, baby, back it!
  24. Have you checked out the Chimpions podcast? This UK-based Champions podcast posts regular games of 5th Edition Champions. The story follows the adventures of three fresh faced heroes, who are still getting to grips with having meta abilities and having their lives turned upside down. Taken in to folds of the private law enforcement agency ECHO, they are finding their feet, being thrown in to the deep end of criminal interception and investigation. Feedback from listeners would be greatly appreciated.
  25. S.I.D.s is short for Super-powered Individual Database. This is a database that various government agencies are starting to use to keep track of all the various villains and heroes. Over the last few years the number of super-powered individuals has skyrocketed. It has become a full time job to try and keep track of them as well as update information about the, that is the purpose of this database. The database is designed to give law enforcement as much information as possible on supervillains or superheroes they may need to call for help. This is a series of small products that will introduce new villains and heroes for you campaign. This installment will re-introduce Denier & Co: An organization of 5 individuals all determined to become rich and powerful. They all follow the vengeful and somewhat unstable Denier. They also have connections with the Ali Baba Thieves, a mercenary group. This group was originally introduced in the adventure School Holiday by legendary RPG writer Aaron Allston. Includes Hero Designer files & printable cardboard miniatures.
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