Nadrakas

I've bought some POD books from RPGNow before. I've been impressed with the quality. Both my wife and I are very pleased that we can get the HS Equipment Guide and HS Martial Arts on POD. Thanks! ~ M

Glad to participate. ~ M

Very possible on the "Arguing about the game...".........though, it may be a mix of that and the "My Character has to be the BADDEST of the BAD!!!" syndrome. Personally I prefer Face-to-Face. Kraven Kor: I would never automatically assume that you were being melodramatic or argumentative. That would be very rude to you. In fact, I don't assume (remember what is said about "assume"...) that someone is being melodramatic/argumentative when they bring up rules questions. Sometimes the rules, as written, are either confusing or contradictory. If there are confusing/contradictory rules, then the group should come to a decision as to how to resolve them (As long as everyone knows the rules...otherwise, it might come down to the GM making that decision). Other times, well...the rules get in the way of having a good time. That's what a good GM/DM/Storyteller is there to help everyone have a good time -- not, mind you, to "save" the characters from their own bad decisions...but if the dice are getting in the way of a good story (ie: A 1 hp rat is going to kill the 4th level fighter, before the party ever gets to the main action...) then some adjudication of the rules/dice should be made. Of course, that's my opinion...but I always try to ensure that everyone has fun. Sadly, there are people who come to the table with the attitude of having fun at everyone's expense -- and these individuals can be both GMs or Players. That can cause problems, and should be discussed as early as possible. Perhaps the individual doesn't know they're doing anything, perhaps they don't mean anything by it...or perhaps they are doing it intentionally to goad other people. It's always difficult when something like this comes up -- I, along with my groups, have had to deal with this type of thing a few times in the past...usually it's worked out, but in a few cases it hasn't. ~ M

"Sigh"...still wish we lived closer BlueCloud. Counting the "Body" of the d6's in Hero is integral to the system, just as THAC0 is part-n-parcel to AD&D-2e. Same goes for the Strength System w/60 vs 40 being 16x times as strong -- whereas in D&D 4e, the difference is negligible (for those who can actually get to a 40 or 60 Strength that is...). "Sigh" I think you're going to continue to have arguments, no matter what you do. You could play D&D (any edition) and I think this player would complain about something (probably many things), especially if his character was getting "dorked." Some people just can't be pleased...ever. Forgive me for saying this...but I wouldn't make too many changes. Keep the "Big" rules what they are...otherwise it can lead to lots of confusion. Perhaps some cosmetic changes might work (3d6 + OCV vs 10 + DCV), but I don't know if making "Big" changes are worth all the work. It's up to you -- you have to decide if making "Big" changes for One Player are worth it (I understand you have a limited pool of players...I have even less here ). I wish you luck in whatever you decide. Peace. ~ M P.S.: Of course, I'm one to talk...I tweak systems all the time. However, I do sit down and discuss the changes with my players -- as long as the players actually take the time to learn the rules. Jeesh, my wife knows the Hero System rules better than I do, and I started back when Champions came out 32 years ago ('81), and she's "only" been playing for 9-years (since '04) when we put together and formatted the Until Database II. Hmm...did I mention that my wife is really smart? Well, she is...and beautiful too.

Just purchased. Thank you for POD. ~ Nadrakas

Just purchased. Thank you for POD. ~ Nadrakas

Thirded...please.

"Sigh" 6e, Page 148: "Mental Powers do not have the standard Range (10m x Base Points) — a character can use them to attack any character within his Line Of Sight (LOS). LOS means the character has direct perception of or can perceive any part of the target with a Targeting Sense. A character can establish LOS with any Targeting Sense. The Range Modifier does not apply to Mental Powers." Mind Scan is a Mental Power. Being that it is a Mental Power, it requires LOS -- Direct Perception or perceive any part of the target with a Targeting Sense. ~ M

Mind Scan is a Mental Power (6e, Page 148): Mental Blast Mental Illusions Mind Control Mind Link Mind Scan (Emphasis is Mine) Telepathy Mind Scan is Line of Site (6e, Page 148 and sidebar example Page 149) Page 148: "In some cases the GM may require a character to make an appropriate PER Roll or EGO Roll to make sure he has sufficient LOS to use a Mental Power. If he fails the roll, either no LOS exists, or the level of recognizability is “fuzzy.” In the latter case, the GM might consider imposing the Range Modifier on the mental attack, to simulate the difficulty the character has “locking on” to the target." Page 149: "For example, a character with Mental Powers might hide in the crowd and mentally attack the enemy without being seen, or even stay far away from the battle and make all his attacks using Line Of Sight with long-range Senses or Mind Scan." (Emphasis is mine). Mind Scan is part of the Mental Sense Group (6e, Page 208) "The Mental Sense Group includes Mental Awareness and Mind Scan." Mental Powers are stopped by Opaque Barriers. (6e, Page 169). "...an Opaque Barrier blocks Line Of Sight with the defined Sense (Group), thus preventing a character with Mental Powers from attacking through it unless he can get around it somehow (for example, by flying into the air and looking over the Barrier at his target)." Emphasis is mine. Mind Scan is "Automatically MegaScale" at the +1 1/2 Level. "Mind Scan is automatically considered to have MegaScale at the +1¼ level because it can search for minds on a planet. It may be bought up from there at the usual rate of +¼ per step on the MegaScale Table." Therefore, you can use it on a Planetary Level. It is not stopped by Cities, buildings and the like.NOTE: The Errata changes the MegaScale to the +2 Level. In Summary: Minds Scan is a Mental Power Mind Scan is Line of Site Mind Scan is part of the Mental Sense Group Mind Scan is stopped by Opaque Barriers Mind Scan is Automatically MegaScale Peace. ~ M EDIT: Added Errata Link for MegaScale at +2 Level

Sorry about that. It was late, after a looong day at work. I have corrected myself in the above post. Again, I apologize. For reference, the following are all Mental Powers (6e, Page 148): Mental Blast Mental Illusions Mind Control Mind Link Mind Scan Telepathy Yes, you can scan thru Walls & Buildings. In 6e, Page 148, it states "Conventional barriers don’t stop Mental Powers" -- However, the Barrier Power (with the Opaque advantage) is not "Conventional)... A bit later on Page 148 it clarifies by adding "In some cases the GM may require a character to make an appropriate PER Roll or EGO Roll to make sure he has sufficient LOS to use a Mental Power. If he fails the roll, either no LOS exists, or the level of recognizability is “fuzzy.” In the latter case, the GM might consider imposing the Range Modifier on the mental attack, to simulate the difficulty the character has “locking on” to the target." Well, there is a Penalty...depending on how many "people" are being Scanned. But I get what you mean. As to the "No Range" limitation on 6e, Page 265...noted. I think it's a property of MegaScale being "brought" down to size" (note the quotations around "centers on" in the "No Range" limitation.). It is a Ranged power with a "Special" Range. As noted on 6e, Page 261: "Mind Scan doesn’t have a standard “range” per se, and is not subject to the Range Modifier — a character in New York City can, for example, Mind Scan the city of Los Angeles without suffering any Range Modifier. However, Mind Scan’s range is not actually unlimited. In general the GM should limit Mind Scan to planetary ranges — a character on Earth can Mind Scan anywhere on Earth, but not on the Moon or Mars." Note: The character is scanning at range, but without Range penalties. Also, as Mind Scan is a Mental Power, then it needs an LoS. See the above quote from Page 148 and the following from the sidebar on 6e, Page 149: "For example, a character with Mental Powers might hide in the crowd and mentally attack the enemy without being seen, or even stay far away from the battle and make all his attacks using Line Of Sight with long-range Senses or Mind Scan." (Emphasis is mine). Line of Site established via long-range Senses or Mind Scan. To use the Paris/Chicago example, the Character is in Paris, uses Mind Scan which originates from him/her, to scan Chicago. If the Mind Scan did not center upon the character, then the Power would be Generated from Somewhere Else, and the Somewhere Else would be the "Source," which by definition would make it Inherently Indirect. I agree that it is not Indirect (per se). Yes it is different, in that it is automatically considered MegaScale at the +1 1/4 Level because it can search for minds on a Planet ~ M

*Sigh* Yes, but for every other Mental Power you need Transdimensional AND Inderect. The lack of needing Indirect in a special case points to the lack of needing it in the general case. "Sigh" indeed. Where you see Indirect, I see a power that has been given MegaScale to the Planetary Level. Mind Scan is affected by Opaque Barriers, and by inference is affected by Area of Effect Mental Defenses -- solution is Indirect. Otherwise, it would outright say Indirect in the Power description and in the Advantages section following the power. I never said, or even implied, that it did. No, you did not imply that. I was stating a "Couple of things..." However, you did say the below earlier on. (Disregard...this was written by Jhaierr -- I posted this late at night) and (Again, disregard...this was written by Jhaierr -- I posted this late at night) I was trying to clarify that Indirect is Optional. Note: Per 6e, Page 153 -- I missed this the first time you posted it, but you don't need Indirect with a Transdimensional Mind Scan. Why? Not exactly sure, but I still see the "Source" of the Power as being the Character, unless Indirect is applied. Still doesn't explain why all other Mental Powers must have Indirect when they are Transdimensional, though. We'll never know, unless we ask though There was no attempt to "Poke You In The Eye." I think we have a difference of Opinion here. Your Seeing Indirect, I'm seeing MegaScale. I don't see Indirect written into Mind Scan's description, however the fact that it is mentioned in the same sentence with "Transdimensional....and...Indirect" is off-putting. I don't know...perhaps it is a "special Indirect" Power...but heaven help us, do we need another special rule? I hope not. It should either be Indirect or Not. And it should be stated clearly. As I said earlier, I'm not sure we're going to agree on this. Peace. ~ M EDIT: Corrected myself, after being corrected by Jhaierr on who wrote two posts I quoted. I apologize.

A Sense...not a special kind of "Indirect." If a Character applied MegaScale Area of Affect to the Sight Group, that wouldn't make it Indirect, even though the effect would be similar. Note: Mind Scan is MegaScaled I understand the "attack thru Mind Scan" - not just for Mental Powers, but for other Attack Powers (Ego +20). However, that does not mean that it's Indirect (See below). 6e, Page 169: Similarly, an Opaque Barrier blocks Line Of Sight with the defined Sense (Group), thus preventing a character with Mental Powers from attacking through it unless he can get around it somehow (for example, by flying into the air and looking over the Barrier at his target). If a character or area is englobed (6e, Page 171) and if the Barrier is Opaque, then those inside are effectively "Invulnerable" to Mental Attacks (and Mind Scan...), per the above. Similarly, per the suggestion on Barrier (6e, Page 169), if a Mental Defense is defined as "Area of Effect," then Indirect would bypass it. Sorry, but I'm not sure we're going to agree on this. ~ M

A couple of things: 1. You do need to buy Transdimensional for Mind Scan to work across Dimensions (Otherwise it doesn't work across dimensions...). (6e, Page 265: Characters can buy Transdimensional for Mind Scan without also buying Indirect.) 2. Indirect is Optional, not Automatic/Inherent with Mind Scan. Indirect is also not forbidden to Mind Scan. See #1 above (As in "can buy....without buying Indirect.") Note: Transdimensional does not make a Power Indirect, and Indirect does not make a Power Transdimensional. To Answer your question: Just because Mind Scan - or any other Power - is "Planetary" in scale, does not make it Indirect. Slap Megascale on a power. Does that make it Indirect?? No. It just makes it Megascale...just like Mind Scan (See Below). There is a big difference between MegaScale and Indirect. Neither is mutually inclusive or exclusive from the other. It is either stated that a Power is Inherently Indirect or Not. I'll say it again, it is stated Specifically in the descriptions of Clairsentience, Stretching and Telekinesis (and Growth...) that they are Inherently Indirect, but it is never stated so in Mind Scan. Also, there are Modifiers/Advantages that go along with Mind Scan. +30 OMCV modifier/adder to help off-set those pesky "Scan Modifiers." For the other Advantages, please see the writeup. Now, please let me try explaining this another way. First, a short synopsis of the various components that we're talking about (The Mental Sense Group, Minds Scan and Indirect): 1) Mental Sense Group (6e, Page 208) A. Mental Sense Group includes Mental Awareness and Mind Scan. B. Mental Sense Group provides the following Sense Modifiers: Range. C. Mental Awareness functions as a Sense. D. Mental Sense Group doesn’t provide the Sense Modifier to other Senses assigned to the group. 2. Sense (6e, Page 214) A. Can use a Sense w/o a 1/2 phase action. B. Set off by contact at any time. 3) Mind Scan (6e, Page 261) A. Mind Scan is a Sense B. Operates in “360 Degrees” (in the sense that it searches an entire area at once) C. Is a Targeting Sense for other Mental Powers (At EGO +20, for other attacks as well) D. Range is "Special" (No Range Penalty, though GM should limit to Planet; exceptions exist depending upon Campaign Needs/Genre). E. Mind Scan is MegaScale at the +1¼ level because it can search for minds on a planet. It may be bought up from there at the usual rate of +¼ per step on the MegaScale Table. Note: I'll say it again: MegaScale, not Indirect. F. Mind Scan Modifiers based on Number of Minds being scanned (ie: Class of Minds). 4) Indirect (6e, Page 335): A. Allows a character to alter Source/Path of an attack. This allows the attack to ignore/bypass obstacles between the attacker and target (walls, fences, and Barriers) B. The Source of a power is the character/device/the like that’s using the power. Usually a character is the Source Point of all of his powers — Mental Blasts targets from his mind. C. A character can buy Indirect to change the Source Point of a power and define it as being somewhere other than himself. I Hear My Names!: Source Point is defined as the Qliphotic Entities Name in a Person/Being/Computers Mind/Memory/Storage Here is an extract from Mind Scan (6e, Page 262): "A character can even define his search area as “the corner west apartment on the fifth floor of the building on E. Madison Avenue” if he really wants to narrow down the search. (However, the GM may restrict this ability in the interest of common and dramatic sense. For example, perhaps the mentalist has to actually be looking at the building in question to search so precise an area as a single apartment, or the mentalist must have visited that location previously [or have once been in substantial mental contact with someone who has].)" Why, if the character is able to narrow his search, would there be any limits placed? If Mind Scan is truly Indirect, then wouldn't it make sense that the character could stand off wherever he/she is and do his/her thing and not have to actually watch the building? (ie: Be the Source) Instead, per the potential "restriction," the character may have to be looking at or have visited the place in question. Perhaps even have been in "substantial mental contact with someone who has...". 1. This doesn't sound like a power that is ignoring obstacle (Per 4A). 2. It does sound like the power is coming from the Character (Per 4B). Sorry, it doesn't sound like Mind Scan is Indirect. The way I wrote up the Power, I Hear My Names!, is to define the Source as being the Qliphotic Entities Name -- Not the Qliphotic Entity itself (Names Have Power...). That is where it originate, with the Name in the Mind of the Victim, wherein it bypasses all non-personal defenses, such as Barrier built with Mental Defense.. In order to do this, it required the Indirect Advantage. Sorry for the Length... Peace. ~ M

You are very welcome. ~ N

Forgive me if I didn't explain this. Per the original post by BlueCloud2d2, the power revolves around knowledge of the Qliphothic beings name. When the name is known, whether it be by a living being (Human, Alien, Animal, or other Qliphothic being), or recorded inside a Computer, a pathway is created to the Qliphothic Entity itself. The Qliphothic Entities Name is the "Indirect" Source/Path. As for Mind Scan being Indirect...the description of Mind Scan (6e, Page 261) mentions nothing about it being "Indirect." Unlike several other powers, which are listed specifically as being "Inherently Indirect" (Clairsentience: 6e, Page 181; Telekinesis: 6e, Page 294; Growth: 6e, page 229; Stretching: 6e, Page 285). The only thing that mentions "Indirect" in relation to Mind Control is on page 153 of 6e: Transdimensional: With the exception of Mind Scan, characters must apply Indirect to Mental Powers before buying Transdimensional. Again, no mention that Mind Scan is "Inherently Indirect," so I take it as not being Indirect. As far as I can tell, here are some things about Mind Scan. 1. Mind Scan is a Sense 2. Senses originate from the Character. 3. Senses are not Indirect. 4. Senses can be blocked by Barriers. 5. Mind Scan itself is not Indirect. 6. Mind Scan can be blocked by Barriers. Ergo, Indirect. Also, beings so "easily" blocked by Barriers just didn't seem to have the right "feel" for a Qliphothic Entity "Hears" those who knows it's name. Thus, an Indirect Mind Scan (Even Interdimensional...no Barriers to stop it...) to find those who know it's name. ___________________ Now, on another note. I didn't include this last night, as I wanted to think about it, and I have. I think that the Qliphotic Mind Slaves! should be treated like a Mind Control, and have the Telepathic advantage (6e, Page 257) 191 Point Cost: Qliphothic Mind Slaves!: Severe Transform Mind 3d6 (Application of Arcane Rituals), (Additional Class Of Minds (Alien), Additional Class Of Minds (Animal), Additional Class Of Minds (Machine), Additional Class Of Minds (Qliphothic) classes of mind), Armor Piercing (+1/4), Attack Versus Alternate Defense (Mental Defense; +0), Constant (+1/2), Damage Over Time: Target's defenses only apply once (24 damage increments, damage occurs every 1 Hour, +3) , (Source Point is the same for every use, path is from Source Point to target; +1/4), Inherent (+1/4), Power Effects (Fully Invisible; +1/2), No Range Modifier (+1/2), Transform (+1/2), (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Reduced Negation (10), Telepathic (Per Mind Control; +1/4), Transdimensional (Any Dimension; +1), Works Against EGO, Not BODY (+1/4), (765 Active Points); Can only lock onto minds that know the Qliphothic Name Power (-2), Limited Target: Mental “objects” in the minds of sentient beings ([Limited]; -1/2), Linked (I Hear My Names!; -1/4) Mind Link should probably go along with this too, along the lines of "Linked to My Mind Slaves." Perhaps twin Severe Transforms (Body/Spirit) with Damage Over Time (Months) that transform the targets into "Qliphothic Beings." Fitting ending for those who delve into Forbidden Lore. Peace. ~ M EDIT: Cleaned up some misspellings. Added a few minor corrections.

Some thoughts. Inherent requires that a Power be bought to 0 END. Not sure that Mind Control is the answer for a Qliphotic being -- at least for those who know it's "Name." Mind Control allows for a Breakout Roll on the first Phase after Mind Control is established and anytime he/she is forced to perform an action prohibited by any Psychological Complications (6e, Page 256). In addition, as pointed out by Lucius, the Characters EGO & Mental Defense might be an issue. So...might I suggest Transform Instead? Here's an alternative rewrite. It's expensive, but if I'm reading what you posted, then the Qliphothic "Demon" is one of the Big Badies...so this should be BAD! Qliphothic Powers List (Not put in a Multipower) 271 Point Cost: I Hear My Names!: Mind Scan (Human) 15d6 (Additional Class Of Minds (Alien), Additional Class Of Minds (Animal), Additional Class Of Minds (Machine) and Additional Class Of Minds (Qliphothic) classes of minds), +30 OMCV, Armor Piercing (+1/4), Indirect (Source Point is the same for every use, path is from Source Point to target; +1/4), Inherent (+1/4), Invisible Power Effects (Invisible to Mental Group; +1/4), One Way Link (+1), Partial Lock-On (+1/2), Persistent (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Transdimensional (Any Dimension; +1), (814 Active Points); Can only lock onto minds that know the Qliphothic Name (-2) 186 Point Cost: Qliphotic Mind Slaves!: Severe Transform Mind 3d6 (Application of Arcane Rituals), (Additional Class Of Minds (Alien), Additional Class Of Minds (Animal), Additional Class Of Minds (Machine), Additional Class Of Minds (Qliphothic) classes of mind), Armor Piercing (+1/4), Attack Versus Alternate Defense (Mental Defense; +0), Constant (+1/2), Damage Over Time: Target's defenses only apply once (24 damage increments, damage occurs every 1 Hour, +3) , (Source Point is the same for every use, path is from Source Point to target; +1/4), Inherent (+1/4), Power Effects (Fully Invisible; +1/2), No Range Modifier (+1/2), Transform (+1/2), (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Reduced Negation (10), Transdimensional (Any Dimension; +1), Works Against EGO, Not BODY (+1/4), (744Active Points); Can only lock onto minds that know the Qliphothic Name Power (-2), Limited Target: Mental “objects” in the minds of sentient beings ([Limited]; -1/2), Linked (I Hear My Names!; -1/4) And a song to go with the Above: A Link to various songs dedicated to the Great Old Ones! Cthulhu takes on the Holiday spirit Don't Go That Way (To be sung to the tune of "Achy Breaky Heart") It started with a look In an old and dusty book Of things we were not really meant to know. And now I'm running scared >From dread beyond compare And an invite for being dinner at Tcho Tcho's! This house is awf'ly dark Let's go back up to the park But perhaps that isn't such a good path The last time I was there, Do you remember Blair? He was carried off by Shub-Niggurath! CHORUS: Don't go that way, I'd rather have you stay With me in this terrifying dream But if you go that way I'll go the other way And listen for your distant awful screams, aaaaauugh! Off tin' with Voodoo But I don't like the sound of that grim song. Don't pull out your big gun I'd really rather run >From people calling evil Chaugnar Faugn. And now they're playin' games Like ping pong with my brains Please believe me it's the truth I'm telling you! For deep beneath the sea, In slime and sawing "zees" Is a huge and ugly Great Cthulhu. CHORUS: Don't go that way I'd rather have you stay With me in this terrifying dream Bgo the other way And listen for your distant awful screams, aaaaaaugh! Don't go that way How much should I pay For you not to go down that deep hole 'Cause I don't have a rope And there isn't that much hope If you wind up annoying a big dhole, eeeeeeeww! Don't go that way You really ought to stay, Your safer here of that fact I am sure But if we decide to stay, Be careful not to say The name of the unnamed one called Hastur... oops. And another link to A Very Scary Solstice more for some music. Enjoy. ~ N

Or erhaps it's Three People who Join together to become One? ~ M

Funkenstein! A Werewolves Life Her Boy Monday Dances With Werewolves Forest Grump Booger Nights The X-Rated Files Call Me Cthulhu, Maybe I Was a Teenage Zombie Twilight: The Sparkling RPG Transformers: Days of Our Lives ("Like Energon through the Grid, these are the Days of Our Lives") The Love Bugs Life

Legion of Superheroes.

Personally, I want neither of them in "Our" Universe. However, if forced to make a Choice...I'd take the Punisher. The Punisher can be taken down...if a Superman-like character did go "bad" (or was bad from the beginning), then he'd be nearly impossible to stop (The "Kryptonite" vulnerability not-withstanding...). To be honest, while reading about and playing Supers is cool...living in a world with Supers would be really frightening. Imagine it for a moment...Super's fighting and leveling entire city block, and governments not able to stop them. Yeah, the people would feel "real" safe. Unless you were one of the Supers, you'd just be a Victim waiting to Happen. ~ M

True. There are many versions of Superman and the DC'verse (and all Comic'verse's for that matter). Still, I don't know...I think that there are more than a few of the different "versions" of Superman that might break. As for the Mainline version -- probably not, at least not without someone really messing with him and twisting him (aka: Darkside). Even then, he might flip back to "normal." ~ M

Well, in "Injustice: Gods Among Us," this is answered. When Jimmy (Joker: "I got some Jimmy on my shoe.") & Lois (+1 unborn Son) are murdered the Joker (At least it's the Joker's fault...ultimately), and Metropolis is nuked by the Clown of Crime. Superman summarily metes out Justice on the Joker...and goes on to implement his own "Super-Rule" with the help of other Supers (Including "Created" Supers...) and the world be damned. So...there is your answer. Even a Superman can be broken by the death of his family. ~ M

Avenger's: The Scrat Outtakes

Castle Smurfenstein (A hack that was already done...but I just had to include it...)

Not sure this makes sense. There are plenty of people in prison with facial scars. Now...if it was for Life Support...hmmm...perhaps.