beauxdeigh

Re: Teleportation, really that different? That's how it has always worked in the past, but that isn't what the text under Increased Mass on p234 of 5ER now reads. And I agree. If you are imposing a Movement power on an opponent unwillingly without being affected identically by the Movement power yourself, that is textbook UAA. Again, that isn't how the rule reads. Well, yeah. When I'm the GM my goal is the fun of the players, not strict adherence to the rules. However, this is the first time I've read one of the new rules in 5th and gone, "...the fuh?!" I was caught totally off guard, and I felt like I'd lost an point of INT just reading it. I hadn't seen it brought up anywhere here since FREd was published. I don't even know if TheEmerged had it on his excellent list of 4th to 5th changes. I was hoping that someone could give me a reason for the change, or at least attempt a viable rationalization, because I couldn't see one.

Re: Character link to Base Computer I like that. I'm embarrassed I didn't think of it first, though.

Re: Teleportation, really that different?

Re: Teleportation, really that different? I didn't know PD and ED defended you versus being Grabbed (the maneuver) and flown. Where does 5ER say this? If it does, then I would happily apply the same to someone being Grabbed and teleported. The teleporter can do only one thing that a flyer cannot, move through barriers easily. The flyer can hover in space without falling, I think it's a fair trade. The STR issue has already been addressed. Move Through? Where did that come from? All I'm talking about is Flying Strongman and Teleporting Dark Avenger Grabbing people and moving them with their Movement powers. That's it. I'm asking why Teleport is different than Flight.

Re: Teleportation, really that different?

Over in the Rules Question forum, I asked Steve the following question: He directed me here for the second part, as I suspected he would, so I'm turning the question over to you now. Details: Batman-esque character is donating xp regularly to the creation of his Base and uberComputer. He would like to have a utility belt pocket size device through which he can keep contact with said uberComputer, receiving alerts and having it perform some specific functions at his request (lock/unlock the base doors remotely, search the criminal database for a certian m.o., etc.). How would I build said device? Expensive and inexpensive ideas are equally welcome, as long as there is variety. Thanks!

Re: Teleportation, really that different?

I bought Champions back in 1983(ish) when it was the box set with two books, the ever present Rosie's map and the little yellow six siders which is now commonly referred to as the 3rd Ed. When I crack that rules book to the powers section and peruse the description of Teleport, it the same rules on Noncombat movement as my copy of 5er does. It takes an extra phase to go the extra distance and you suffer half DCV and 0 OCV during that phase and until your next combat phase. I was, maybe, 12 at the time, and didn't ponder the rule, and I've accepted it as rote ever since that time. I was running a FtF game on Friday night, and the player of the Teleporting Dark Avenger asked me about how much it would cost him to be able to teleport more than himself. The first thing out of my mouth was 5 points for 2x mass, and I cracked open his copy of FREd to show him. There, on the page, was the following: This is new. Well, new to me anyway. It isn't in the BBB or the HSR. I bet this screws up some team tactics...like some of the good ones I remember from Strike Force. What if one of the teleporter's teammates is knocked out? Is he a voluntary target or involuntary? What does that mean for knocked out villains? I'm over 30 now, and know the rules pretty well. As such, I am much less willing to just accept this as rote, and it's making me question my previous acquiessence as well. I'm trying to reconcile in my head why Teleport is so different than all the other movement powers that it needs all these special rules. Flying Strongman grabs Street Thug #3 and flies up 30". Street Thug #3 is not willing to go up with Flying Strongman, and yet Flying Strongman does not need to buy any special Advantages to carry said hapless Thug with him. All he has to do is maintain his Grab. In fact, every other Movement allows a character to drag or carry someone along with them as long as they have the available STR to do so and can keep a firm grip on the unwilling passenger. Even Swinging, Leaping and Gliding, which only cost one point an inch. Of course, you offer, those characters had to pay for the STR to grab and hold while they move, and Teleport doesn't have to Grab, they just have to touch. I totally agree, but a balance already exists. Teleport has to pay for Increased Mass. Teleporting Dark Avenger cannot automatically teleport willing targets (or inanimate objects) that his more than capable 30 STR would allow. No, he would have to pay 20 additional points to be able to do that, let alone carry an unwilling target. To take someone 'involuntarily' he'd have to place a +1 Advantage on the entire cost of Teleport! Excuse me, but doesn't that seem a little excessive? I have a crazy idea. How about a rule that says moving someone involuntarily with Teleport has the same requirements as moving someone involuntarily with any other movement power: You have to Grab them first. If you want to do it by touch, then you need the Advantage, as that would be seriously advantageous. Otherwise, Teleport is a Movement power, and should be kept in line with other Movement powers as much as possible. Which brings me to my next point: my original acquiessence. Why does a Noncombat Teleport require an extra Phase? I'm not exactly sure I see a good reason. Let me work this out. If I remove the extra phase, the character will still suffer from Noncombat movement (like any other Movement power) until the start of his next Phase. 0 OCV, half DCV upon arrival in the new space. The character does not have to pass through the intervening space, and thus is not a target during his move, which is good. However, he doesn't legitimately have the option to use the optional DCV calculation based on how far he moves, and any movement based attack maneuvers cannot gain the munchkin-y benefit of a noncombat charge, which is bad. To keep it even more balanced, I might allow opposing characters to be able to target the start or end location of the teleport in the phase it happens, depending on their DEX and SPD, but that might be more work. So, collected HERO gallery, what say you? Does anyone else have experience with either of these rules? Am I missing some key balance issue that makes them make perfect sense in context? Am I horribly horribly wrong? Am I right?

Some of this may be more of a 'how to...' question. If it is, let me know and I'll see what they say in the HS Discussion area. Can a computer purchase the Computer Link perk? Character X wants to have a pocket device w/a direct link to the big honkin' computer back in the secret base. The character is going to pay for the computer with the base, what is the best way to model limited I/O with that computer at all times?

I've read the Visibility part on p467 of 5er, and I'm pretty sure I get that. If I want a base to be hard to find, even when you are leaning on the door to enter, you buy concealment and/or disguise. What if I want there to be a hidden room in a base? Same thing? Also, what if I'm trying to put a hidden room within a hidden base? Do I have to buy Concealment/Disguise twice? Once for the base, once for the room?

Re: Rep Points? According to my limited understanding, R0XxOrZ is the opposite of SuXX0rZ.

Re: Musings on Random Musings Iway erceivepay Iway inkthay, ereforethay Iway erceivepay Iway amway! (That would be the Pig Latin for that)

Re: Musings on Random Musings Last time I went into a music store they didn't have the Johnny Cash section parked right next to The Beatles section. I would gladly join your side in the argument that they should, but that's today. When The Beatles sang "She loves you, yaaah, yaaah, yah" they were singing pop. Just the same, when Cash sang Folsom Prison Blues he was singing country. By the time he sang Hurt he had long since moved past the category. Lynyrd Synyrd, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, etc. There are a lot of bands and artists who don't pigeon hole well after a few decades of work. They reach a wider audience of ears than their music store given category would imply. Yet we still find their latest albums on the rack next to the wonders of Brittney Spears, P Diddy and Billy Ray Cyrus.* I wouldn't try to defend today's pop-rock music. Most of it is unlistenable. I don't waste my time with it, and I accept the fact that I am missing the early work of an amazingly talented artist who will be completely obvious to everyone in 20 or 30 years. Some of you suffer the noise to get the signal now, and you can say, 'I listened to them when...' Replace 'pop-rock' with 'rap' or 'country'. Infernal slide guitars or no, there are artists who use them now who are going to be legends one day. We don't know who, but they're there. I guess the crux of my point is this. No matter how the music stores and the video channels label it, there are in fact only two categories of music: I like it. I don't. All existing music fits in those categories to one degree or another. I can't say anymore that I can't stand country music, because the truth is that I can't stand George Strait, or Tim McGraw, or LeAnn Rimes, or Keith Urban, etc. but I really enjoy Montgomery Gentry, and Gretchen Wilson, and Sawyer Brown, etc. and I can't help but smile when I hear She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney, and Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Alison Kraus is just a beautiful song. It's true of pop rock, classical, rap, metal, showtunes, grunge, and whatever other label they come up with. It comes down to the song. I listen to it, and either I like it, or I don't. Well, except for Opera. I can't stand Opera. That's all just crap. (*Actually I don't know the quality of P Diddy's work, since I've never listened to him perform. He might be very good. I just like saying his assumed name. P Diddy. P Diddy P Diddy P Diddy. It just makes me happy. P......Diddy.)

Re: Musings on Random Musings Same here. I went and married a woman who loves Country music (and supports my gaming habit, among other virtues.) Now, I'd classify myself an old time Rock and Roll man, but the sad truth is that MTV and VH1 don't play videos anymore. CMT does. Thus I was introduced to the wide spectrum of 'Country Music'...and...well... I like some of it. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of the standards I can't stand. George Strait's music makes me lunge for the remote. Yet, in there, there is a bunch of artists that are damn good, and don't take themselves too seriously, and play fun and touching music. Then it hit me that those are the qualities I liked in my Rock and Roll. The rap I do listen to is that way, as well. Classical, too. Country, when it comes right down to it, is like every other style of music. There are some truly great artists, but most of what you hear on the radio is 'pop' country. Which - like a lot of pop music - is hit or miss with the emphasis on the latter. Most have built their careers on the fluffing of videos, where you don't notice as much when the music is tepid as long as the visuals are stimulating. However, everyone likes Johnny Cash. Not liking Johnny Cash means you want the terrorists to win. You don't want the terrorists to win do you?!

Re: Musings on Random Musings God, I know that feeling. I grew up making these double-decker condiment sandwiches that are, truth be told, kind of disgusting to behold, but I still sometimes get the urge to have one. Of course, my wife thinks I'm a lunatic and gives me this look whenever I start the process, so I don't bother when she's home. But when I am the lone 'adult' in the house, all bets are off. Mayonaise, mustard, ketchup, PB & J all slathered on three slices of bread. Mmmm-mmmm. Sometimes there's nothing better. I think the kids are going to love them when they get older. Then there are times that I really want garlic steamed crab legs. :shrug:

Re: Hitler in a jar What, no Character Sheet?

Re: To serve and protect It's a sub-item under "Code of Conduct". It took me a little bit to find it again as well.

Re: To serve and protect I've always liked the Master List's description (All credit to Jack and his varied contributors): Although, I have it on good authority that the 'Only Reply With Equal Force' part is incorrect (part of the Use of Force Continuity allows the officer to respond with a step higher more force). On the list they label it a Psychological Limitation (Common, Total 20 points). I think this is an ideal, though. There are plenty of officers, I'm sure, that wouldn't have some or any of this limitation.

Re: Wiggling your way out- Entangle based on Dex Let me start by saying that "it can't be physically broken, but it can be squirmed out of" isn't a special effect. A Questionite Net would be a special effect. Unbreakable Saran Wrap Bindings would be a special effect. I'm sure your player can be more descriptive. For this little piece of cheddar, he should really be trying harder. That being said, I would allow it, with a couple of stipulations: 1. You're gonna pay for it. DEX isn't a stat you go and buy a lot of (compared to STR or EB), which is what your player is counting on. So a 6d6, 6 DEF Entange (60 Active Points) will incapacitate even the most wily Martial Artist in your game. I would only allow it if the player is paying for the effect accordingly. The Custom Advantage 'Based On DEX' would at least be a +1 in my game. Which means those 60 points now only render you a 3d6, 3DEF DEX Entangle. Most of your characters won't be able to shrug that off, but they'll be able to break out eventually, which puts it much on par with a regular STR Entangle. 2. It's on probation. I would tell the player up front that if I find the construct at any time to be too overbalancing for my campaign it's gone, but he's got it for the next two game sessions free and clear. I also remind him that anything the players are allowed, the NPCs are allowed, too, and the GM isn't limited by silly things like 'points'. At least, that's what I think.

Re: So speaking of Dr. Destoyer.... Pardon my pendantry, but that would be the 25,637th time I've seen someone roll their eyes at some other poster on the Internet after totally failing at reading comprehension. Let's try again: From this sentence I understand that Destroyer (ie. the GM) rolled a 3 and critically hurt the (GM controlled) NPC, Protector, who was there for technical support. There were no actual PCs involved in this interaction. In fact, it didn't affect the plot at all. FWIW, your point about critical hits is still valid, and I actually agree, but the condescension works better when you seem to understand the finer points of that which you quote. Just a note for future use of the .

Re: Combat!!

Re: Game-Time Pop-Quiz for GM's Well, it's an easy point to miss. Terrible Torch is a 9d6 EB AP. Armor Piercing. So the 25 turns to 12.5, or 13 in the favor of the PC. Sorry that I didn't detail that bit more thoroughly. My bad. I wish I had more questions now.

Re: New to HERO and looking for advice on some issues... Haven't read the whole thread, so someone's probably mentioned this, but just in case they haven't, I'll point out that there's a table something like this in both Sidekick and 5ER -- though admittedly both are described as simply one possible scheme, since some GMs may prefer to set the benchmarks elsewhere for their own campaigns. That's about as much as I think needs to be said on the subject; I'm definitely not going to dive into the morass of trying to "benchmark" published superheroes or Fantasy characters. I'm suffering from a sense deja vu. I did something of the sort in Sidekick, and I'll carry that over to 5ER, though it uses real-world examples and such, not published characters. The Matrix has me! whoa

Re: Game-Time Pop-Quiz for GM's Hunh. The issue pretty much comes down to whether the Haymaker adds 4DC straight to the attack (+20 STR TK) or if it is prorated by the cost of the TK (+13 STR TK). I'm going to guess it's prorated: 6.5d6 Aside: As a GM, in play, off the top of my head, and hating half dice, I'd say the punch now does 8d6. When that bounces off Square-Jaw, I hope the little wimp Spoon-Bender takes the hint and runs.

Re: Game-Time Pop-Quiz for GM's It's later! 1 BODY and 35 STUN/1 BODY and 13 STUN 11 BODY - 10 rED = 1 BODY (1d6-1 +2 STUNx) 4 - 1 = 3, 3 + 2 = 5, 5 x 11 = 55 STUN, 55 STUN - 20 ED = 35 STUN 1 - 1 = 1 (cannot be 0), 1 + 2 = 3, 3 x 11 = 33 STUN, 33 STUN - 20 ED = 13 STUN (Remember to calculate the 1d6-1 and then add the +2) 22 STUN 29 STUN x 1.5 Vuln = 43.5 STUN 43 STUN - 13 ED = 30 STUN 30 STUN x .75 DR = 22.5 STUN (Remember to round at each step of the calculation) Loathing got to go in Phase 3 and will get to go in Phase 6, but none of that matters because Powerman's Presence Attack can go off whenever, including right after his attack.