Tom

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... Mole remembers friends found and lost...

Re: Black Paladin in CU:NOTW (possible spoilers)

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine Geez... A kid just goes rushing towards one little explosion. It's not like he created his own arch-enemy with it... Here's some attempts at Secret. Didn't try to add in the ankh, but you'd posted she was kinda maybe regreting that anyway... 1st image was trying for as close to the description as I could envision (minus the cleavage window, per above...) 2nd is probably my favorite -- maybe a second attempt once she's had time to think about it (though the 3rd is likely if she's really feeling self-conscious)... 5th is because I know you like fishnets... (I also used that cape front with the basic bodysuit, but I can only upload 5 attachments) 6th is because I spent three hours standing outside the student union on a college campus last week, on the first day we finally had really nice weather in far too long... (Maybe when Miranda is a senior, or in college?)

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero Central Darn -- but at least it keeps my mind from boggling at the idea of Vagabond and Shield Maiden ever meeting... (A very well done b/g btw -- I'm looking forward to seeing her in play...)

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine Speedzone will be happy to see Speedway's costume is no longer mimicking his... So when you gonna do Nox? Here's the DCA version of Focus...

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero Central Some tweaks to Vagabond. Still needs 25pts in disads, but I scaled back the Danger Sense (I must have been punch drunk on points when I first put the sheet together, it overlapped poorly with the precognitive dreams) and added in the Avenger Package stuff I didn't already have on the sheet...

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... Defender's toast at the Annual Detroit Day gathering at Homestead, following an attempt by the Devil's Advocates to transform Millennium City into a part of Faerie (or as Mole put it: Disney on acid) with the aid of the Shadow Queen... The PC's thoughts following the toast: I may have had entirely too much fun running this story, but who'd have thunk you could get so much mileage out of all the Disney I've had to watch because of my kids these last few years...

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero Central Also, the usual default is to hide old content iirc, so posts you've already read are hidden from view (you can open them back up by clicking on the header)... My trick for keeping track of where I need to post is to use the email notifications. I've set up an automatic rule that sends storyboard posts to a folder I've got set up for the specific campaign. Until I've answered the post, I leave it marked as unread so I know it's still waiting for me to answer. Note: it is possible to respond to posts from the email notifications. There's a link at the top of the notice. However, I usually prefer to post from the storyboard so I can at least skim through the last couple of previous posts to try and keep the flow of the story smoother...

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero Central Understandable enough... FWIW: HC has a FAQ you can reach from the 'tools' menu, and there's a link on the 'reply to post' screen that will bring up a pop up screen which will answer many formatting questions. The die roller utility (also under the tools menu) will show you the syntax for the die rolls to place them in your post... Individual game conventions will vary by GM and game, though in an established game like the Bunnyverse, you can learn a lot simply by reading the existing posts.

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero Central Also, it's not at all unusual to find people in the HC chat. Most will answer simple questions with comprehensible answers...

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine OK -- I'm semi-addicted too. A couple of pics with 'next generation' themes. Vagabond: the char I submitted for the A:TNG game, and Lightweaver: the costumed ID for the teen the Shadow Guard PCs of my HHC game just met (They've traveled forward in time -- in their 'own' time, Nate is only 1yr old...)

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... I'll agree... ;D Though I should admit, as GM, I've probably been having way too much fun with poor Mole.... Though the current scene's managed some serious with all the insanity...

Re: Avengers: The Next Generation on Hero CentralStill need to nail down about 45pts in disads -- and parts of his powerset may cause sleeplessness and the gnashing of GM teeth...My take on Kevin Masterson based on the scene where Odin heals him in an issue of Thunderstrike...VAGABONDVal Char Cost Roll Notes20 STR 10 13- Lift 400.0kg; 4d6 [2]25 DEX 45 14- OCV: 8/DCV: 823 CON 26 14-15 BODY 10 12-18 INT 8 13- PER Roll 17-18 EGO 16 13- ECV: 625 PRE 15 14- PRE Attack: 5d616 COM 3 12-15/29 PD 11 Total: 15/29 PD (0/14 rPD)15/29 ED 10 Total: 15/29 ED (0/14 rED)5 SPD 15 Phases: 3, 5, 8, 10, 1215 REC 1250 END 250 STUN 13 Total Characteristic Cost: 200Movement: Running: 8"/16" Leaping: 4"/8" Swimming: 2"/4"Cost Powers END15 Touched by Odin: LS (Immunity: All terrestrial diseases and biowarfare agents; Longevity: 200 Years; Safe in Intense Cold; Safe in Intense Heat)15 Touched by Odin: Power Defense (15 points)13 Walked among Gods: +20 PRE; Only for Defense (-1/2) 33 Choosing the Moment: Find Weakness 15- with All Attacks; Only vs Animate/'Living' Targets (-1/2) Notes: Finding the perfect moment to strike. Does not work vs inanimate objects.20 Following the Path: +5 with DCV; Costs Endurance (Only Costs END to Activate; -1/4) 2 Notes: Glancing into the future to avoid harm.4 Seeing the Shape of Things to Come: Tactics 14-; Costs Endurance (Only Costs END to Activate; -1/4) 114 Dreams of Things to Come: Precognitive Clairsentience (Sight And Hearing Groups), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); No Conscious Control (-2), Only Through Dreams (-1), Precognition Only (-1), Vague and Unclear (-1/2)12 An Unclouded View: +4 PER with all Sense Groups 50 Skysplitter: Multipower, 100-point reserve, all slots OIF (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2)5u 1) Pommel Strike: EB 8d6, Area Of Effect Accurate (One Hex; +1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Penetrating (+1/2); OIF (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2)5u 2) An Edge Keen as the Wind: RKA 1d6+1, +2 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/2), Affects Desolidified Any form of Desolidification (+1/2), Area Of Effect Accurate (One Hex; +1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), NND (Energy Barrier -- FF, FW, or other 'non-physical' SFX; +1), Does BODY (+1); OIF (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2)4u 3) Cutting Through Space: Teleportation 10", Safe Blind Teleport (+1/4), Usable By Other (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4), Area Of Effect (One Hex; +1/2), Continuous (+1), MegaScale (1" = 1,000 km; +1), Can Be Scaled Down 1" = 1km (+1/4); Gate (-1/2), OIF (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2) 44u 4) Cutting Between Space: Extra-Dimensional Movement (Related Group of Dimensions, Any Location corresponding to current physical location), Safe Blind Travel (+1/4), Usable By Other (+1/4), Area Of Effect (One Hex; +1/2), Continuous (+1); Gate (-1/2), OIF (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2) 10 36 Thunderstaff: HA +8d6, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Double Knockback (+3/4); OAF (-1), Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/2) Notes: Each strike lets forth a peal like thunder...19 Runestave of Protection: Armor (8 PD/8 ED); IIF (-1/4) Notes: I know a third: in the thick of battle, If my need be great enough, It will blunt the edges of enemy swords, Their weapons will make no wounds. Perks1 Fringe Benefit: Passport Talents37 Glancing Ahead: Danger Sense (general area, any danger) 15-15 Thinking Ahead: Combat Sense 13-12 A Moment's Warning: Combat Luck (6 PD/6 ED)3 Bump Of Direction Skills10 +2 with HTH Combat3 Breakfall 14-3 Conversation 14-3 AK: Asgard 13-3 AK: Europe 13-4 AK: Norway 14-3 AK: Sweden 13-3 KS: Arcane & Occult Lore 13-4 KS: Avengers Villains and Menaces 14-6 KS: Norse Mythology 16-4 KS: Norse Rune Magic 14-0 Language: English (idiomatic)1 Language: Norwegian (basic conversation)2 Language: Old Norse (fluent conversation)1 Language: Swedish (basic conversation)2 Navigation (Dimensional) 13-3 Persuasion 14-3 PS: Artist: Drawing/Sketching 13-3 PS: Cooking 13-3 Stealth 14-3 Streetwise 14-6 Survival (Temperate/Subtropical, Mountain, Urban) 13-3 WF: Common Melee Weapons, StaffsTotal Powers & Skill Cost: 393Total Cost: 593450+ Disadvantages10 Social Limitation: Secret ID (Frequently, Minor)10 Social Limitation: A pawn in Asgardian Politics (Occasionally, Major) Notes: Thor keeps an eye on him because of the promise given to his Father (Eric Masterson, Thunderstrike), and Kevin considers the Warriors Three to practically be uncles. Loki (among others) is bound to be up to mischief eventually, but this doesn't really rate as a Hunted...5 Social Limitation: Must follow Avenger's bylaws and rules (Occasionally, Minor)20 Watched: The Norns 11- (Mo Pow, NCI, PC has a Public ID or is otherwise very easy to find, Watching)20 Psychological Limitation: "The World Still Needs Heroes" - Protective of the Innocent/Helpless (Common, Total)15 Psychological Limitation: A Warrior of Asgard; must be fearlessly heroic even in the face of mortal danger (Common, Strong)10 Psychological Limitation: Does not consider himself a 'hero' -- identifying more with the 'common man'... (Common, Moderate)15 Susceptibility: Subject to Mental Illusions, Mental Illusion SFX, 1d6 damage per Phase (Uncommon) Notes: Interfering with Kevin's perceptions of reality actually causes him pain as his mind attempts to compensate.38 Experience PointsTotal Disadvantage Points: 105Background/History: "I don't really remember much, other than tubes and blinking lights. And I had the weirdest dream. I mean, even compared to all of the other dreams I was having then -- fever'll do that to you, you know. But this dream always stayed with me -- I can recall it even now. A shabby old man, came into my room in the hospital, and laid his hand upon me. I don't remember what he said, but I know it was important somehow..."Kevin Masterson is the son of Eric Masterson, who was Thor for a time and then Thunderstrike.Kevin's life as a child was fractured at best, his parents divorcing, then his father dying while he was still young. This however was only part of the story. Kevin's growing up took place in two separate realms entirely -- part in Midgard, the world most people know as Earth. Another part in Asgard, as a ward of Thor himself -- both because of a promise made to Eric, and because Odin himself had laid hands upon Kevin when the young boy lay dying of a mysterious illness.Personality/Motivation: Living in two worlds, but not really a part of either. His Father's legacy, and growing up among Asgardians have given him both a strong sense of personal honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility. Still, with 'uncles' like the Warriors Three, Kevin knows what the inside of a tavern looks like...Quote: "Tis not always a bad thing to be tossed about by the storm. This might not be one of those times..."Powers/Tactics: Kevin is a skilled hand to hand combatant, possessing superior physical abilities compared to those of many other men. Furthermore, his perception of the world about him is far more than human, or even Asgardian, as he not only sees far more clearly than others -- he even possesses a limited ability to see the grand pattern of life before him, effectively seeing forward in time. This allows him to avoid harm far more easily than others, and to choose the exact moment to strike with devastating effect. He also possesses considerable innate mystic ability, which serves him in good stead as he is nowhere as powerful physically as other Asgardians. He has crafted two potent mystic items for attack and defense: his Thunderstaff which can deliver powerful blows and send foes flying with a powerful crack of thunder following each strike, and a Runestave of Protection to shield him from harm when his reflexes and advanced knowledge aren't enough.Lastly, he holds an Uru weapon crafted for him by Lord Thor's command. The dagger Skysplitter. This mighty blade possesses an edge so keen as to pierce any material substance, and even cut between the dimensions themselves. It returns to his hand upon command, or when thrown, and flies with uncanny accuracy.Campaign Use: Long distance transportation and Early Warning provider. Also provides possible plot hooks to involve Asgard.Appearance:

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... Just another teen super's vacation to Millennium City... (Mole is talking to Diamond, from CU:NotW)

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... I imagine she'd have had a few other choice words/thoughts if she could have heard your plan.... ;D

Re: Teaser Scenes - Anyone try this? I do something like this with my FtF game. Sometime prior to the start of the next session (usually the night before *sigh*), I write up a short scene -- frequently something happening behind the scenes -- to lead into the adventure. I keep the campaign log on LiveJournal, and post it there (which also gives everyone an excuse to read the summary -- plus additional behind the scenes stuff -- of what happened on the last session).

Re: Help with a fight at 2000 feet Just some random factoids of questionable accuracy (it's been a while, after all) that may be of some use... Oxygen is considered a really good idea about 10,000 feet... Oxygen is considered necessary above 15,000 feet... I think the 'standard' cruising altitude for most commercial aircraft is somewhere in the vicinity of 35,000 feet (so at 2000 feet, I expect an aircraft is either climbing for altitude following takeoff or coming in for a landing)... De-compression probably won't be a major issue at 2000 feet, but anyone coming near the hole is in danger of leaving unwilling -- I'd probably require a DEX roll or maybe luck/unluck w/i one hex. Anyone leaving the plane had better have either flight/gliding or really good defenses (though this is also a good chance for heroic flying characters to practice their Grab By under field conditions)...

Re: Do you have any "deal brekers" when it comes 6th edition? If I have to re-buy books I already own to 'upgrade', I'm gone. I game for fun, so if I have to bend over backwards to make my existing materials remain useful, I'll stick with 5er...

Re: Champions games you've run You are a true master of understatement... ;D Now to actually contribute something on topic... After a handful of short term runs, my first real campaign was Hawthorne, set in the fictional city of Hawthorne, Virginia. This was very much an 'off and on' game, and spawned three teams which interacted together at various points as players came and went and a spin-off campaign once I stopped really using Hawthorne as my primary setting called Stormfront (which is still sorta around in the back of my and my players' heads). The teams from Hawthorne were: OSC (short for O'Connell Security Consulting), a group of corporate supers who specialized in meta-security... ShadowStrike, a magically oriented commando-styled bunch who regularly crossed swords with the likes of DEMON (sometimes literally) and the Black Enchantress from The Coriolis Effect... The Guardians, a fairly standard super team with a sometimes rotating membership (think Avengers-lite)... The campaign finally folded due to a combination of factors. The release of 5e along with the loss of my hard drive (which had all my game notes/history), plus the birth of my children and my becoming a GM on Hero Central... How does my being a GM on Hero Central factor in? I'll pretend you asked... After playing on HC for a while, once my kids were old enough that I had some time free but still too young to make FtF very practical, I finally got conned into GMing for someone on a game called Solo (GM/player pairs in a shared setting). Over time, I came to GM a handful of others, and then the original 'over-GM' dropped out and I'm still not sure how I ended up taking his place. Finally, it was pointed out to me that I was pretty much the only one driving the stories and that I was GMing for most of the players. Throw in some changes Dan had made to the site since Solo had originally been created, and I changed the game's name to Heroes of Hudson City and began running it as more of a standard campaign... HHC is an intertwined, inter-tangled mess of plots/sub-plots and character development that's been a lot of fun to run. It also incorporates huge amounts of background from my old Hawthorne game. Many of the Hawthorne PCs and NPCs are a part of HHCs stories, and keeping them straight with any attempts to run Hawthorne FtF is more than even I'm willing to attempt... Current teams in HHC include: The Covenant, a group of supers sponsored by OSC... Mimic (metamorph) Aquatic (half-Atlantean amphibious demi-brick with additional powers) Nemesis (desolid martial artist) Aeroforce (NPC powered armor) The Shadow Guard, the kids' team which isn't really kids anymore... Ember (pyrokinetic EBer) Mole (tunneling brick) Gale (winged wind controller) Scion (powered armor brick, membership pending) Now that my kids are older (and the kids of another of the couples which play), I've started running a new FtF game set in a more 'standard' CU setting. The Twilight Guard is based in Millennium City, and fills the role of the MC8 after a fashion. Assuming we manage to fit a long-distance player in, we'll even have eight players... (yes, I must be nuts -- especially since two of my players are my kids...) The game consists of: Vithaar (MA Brick/mentalist-lite, also now a champion of the Norse God who's name he 'borrowed') Akumu (demi-demonic weaponsmaster, displaced in time) Impact (bio-magnetic EB/brick) Striker (magical gadgeteer) Lotus (mystic mentalist/MA, born in Shamballa) Hyper (alien appearing speedster, Ben 10 meets Danny Phantom in the form of my 11yr old son ) Stormchild (the elemental spirit of a thunderstorm given mortal form -- as a cat... Can also take a mixed human/feline form and played by my 9yr old daughter ) Blackhawk (telekinetic, membership pending)

Re: What would be your take on She-Grond? While Telios would allow for an acceptable origin, a She-Grond feels like a better fit with the Overbrain (yeah, the Brain Trust is a bit of a freak show and I've got a vested interest in not dealing with Telios in the game... ). We know he likes playing with genetic modification and chemicals (see the origins of Ape-Plus, Mr Zombie and Lynx) and that he's nowhere near as careful and well hidden as Telios. Emily is a former coastie, which is primarily a law enforcement organization during peace time (in addition to their rescue function), so her ending up in as an unwilling test subject after getting too close during the investigation of a chemical spill or smuggling operation isn't an unreasonable stretch... If you wanted to give her a reason to hate Interface, use Argent as her origin. They're responsible for Ogre iirc, why not an attempt to use genetic material from Grond to create superstrong metas (or even an attempt to recreate Grond's origin under more controlled circumstances)?

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... Teenagers...

Re: Alien Mysteries of the Champions Universe So kelvarite empowered PCs should also be allergic to eucalyptus? (hmmm, that should go over well with Mole next time he gets the sniffles... )

Re: Alien Mysteries of the Champions Universe Kelvarite is on my list... Aside from GMing a PC with a Kelvarite origin, I'm curious as to why Charm Girl in CW is allergic to it....

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group...

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... My FtF group, Twilight Guard is caught in the train station scenario in Sharper than a Serpent's Tooth... Vithaar, the team's leader and resident brick is down by the ticket turnstile dealing with the unfortunate plague victims attempting to batter their way in with a bench they've ripped free... Striker, the team's mystic gadgeteer has filled the doorways leading out onto the train platforms with an AOE Sticky Entangle ('Encased in Amber')... Little 7yr-old Timmy McAdoo stands up from his hiding place and begins crying for the heroes to save him and his Mommy, thus attracting the attention of some other snake plague victims... Vithaar rushes up, grabs the kid, and throws him into the entangle... (thus proving that the PCs can always come up with a way to boggle the GM's mind) Striker (OOC): He's the ultimate multitasker. The kid's safe, out of the way, and bait...