greymankle

Re: PBEM - RDU: The Mavericks - Example & Discussion

Re: PBEM - RDU: The Mavericks - Example & Discussion Just making sure you know people are reading this. Hey Neil, were you running a FtF game during all of this? I gather you do most of your replies from work but even then that had to be a TON of work. Scary. -Peace

Re: Experts? I don't really find it all that broken. No more so then tacking on 30 languages with the linguist enhancer. I think it actually balances out as far as enhancers go. Someone can get a discount for speaking Chinese and Latin but, before this enhancer, I would pay full price for language Chinese and AK China. The latter being, obviously, much more related. If you could throw in dex skills or something then I would wonder. I just see it as a more broad way to flesh out the non-combat side of a character. as long as you don't have people trying to abuse it. But thats what GM's are for. I don't think you need to arbitrarily limit it. Go case by case. But that's just my 2/5th's of a nickel.

Re: Villian for critique Hmmm, hadn't fully considered the 9 second delay on the sound of that shot. Characters aren't THAT good at PER. But can a shot from two miles away be done with this character? 2 miles-10560ft-3800m (roughly)=1520 inches in game terms. (somebody check my math, I'm not the best) That's like a minus 18 to hit. Can this guy even make that shot? I hope he can but I'm not sure if his stats reflect that. If he does, any thoughts on a stupid descision he can make to alert the PCs? He is still a professional so nothing too crazy like hang a poster up or something. One PC does have a danger sense so I could make sure he hit's that roll. Sociotard: Definately going to have him gunning for NPC's to start. The first adventure will have the PC's present at an assination by this guy. They are going to a meet and greet. during the photo shoot The PC's will witness the VIP's head explode followed (nine seconds later) by the gun shot. I'm hoping at that moment to spur the PC's in the direction of the snipers hideout. Have a little car chase through the streets and stage some thugs around to give the more combat oriented PC's some fun. Any thoughts for the stupid mistake he can make? I want him to get away this time but leave some clues for future hits. Mainly interogating the thugs.

Re: PBEM - RDU: The Mavericks - Example & Discussion Finally ... finished... reading. Story... so... long. Awaiting further developments. This whole thing just gives more credit to the book. RDU: A histoy. It would be an AWESOME source book. but I know not all of your games have cool write-ups like this. Heck just converting this story into a comic book (or prolly a mini-series) would be sweet. Just need to find an artist familar with the characters. hmmm... Where can we find one...? I think James can draw Darn real world comminments. Maybe you can get a stipend from the boards to convert it? I bet it would sell, D&D has comic books and those suck something awful, but they still sell. I really think the PBEM style adds to the communal storytelling more. Since everyone can have as much time to say what they want without stepping on toes or stealing "face-time." Players can get very descriptive and take some more license then they would be able to in a regular game. Plus it saves Neil a ton of time. No need for a campagin write-up just check your in box. Anyway Keep 'em coming. You make my vacation a little sunnier with each post.

Re: PBEM - RDU: The Mavericks - Example & Discussion Awesome Write up Neil, I'm still at the Gym Fight but I have to head out. (pg. 5) Definately a better run PBEM game thenI have every been involved in. But D&D doesn't lend itself to non-FtF well. One question, Was Fury always Eric's Character? or did he go from NPC to PC? I'll read the rest soon.

Re: Villian for critique Thank you for the comments, I'll try and answer. Baphomet: I'll drop some of the sight telescoping, and turn it into Find weakness telscoping thanks. Bone Daddy: I don't want to put him in a gilly Trencher: The disads I'm hoping is a balance for the insane damage he can do. He's got the "one shot one kill" mentality. Waits for a prime shot. Hence his RKA only has 10 shots. Shouldn't need more in his mind. I think I'll give him a MA bodyguard to help if people come in close. Colorful night is a term I've used in real life. I forgot it dosen't make sense to people outside my click. Black, deep purples, deep/night blues. That type. I didn't like straight-up black too often. Since it's a uniform of sorts I added color. Eosin: Thanks for the numbers. I'll scale it down a bit, but I still want the one shot drops most. As for a sniper protagonist he's not hunting the PC's (yet) he has targets around the city that he has to take out. But those are target he has time to set-up. With the PC's chasing him he wont be able to re-set his sight, brace on a moving target yadda-yadda-yadda. About him being a crappy protagonist I kinda see your point. But he's part of a larger organization (The Greeks) So I want that group to be the main enemy with this sniper being a thorn that they need to catch/stop. The PER rolls and streewise of the PCs are pretty good. I plan to have them present when the first victim goes down. They see where the shot came from, investigate meet up with Greek thugs and goons (maybe the MA) If they can get some info from them on his next target they stop him before the shot. or get close and catch him on the third one, who knows? Does that seem a better angle?

Re: New FH GM looking for advice The number of players needed will always vary from GM to GM. Some can run with one or two, others need 6. So it's tough to say how may your group "should" have. All I can do is speak from my experience. We have a normal gameday. Who ever shows up plays. but if the game is at a point where we really need the whole group or more than what we have. We either play some Magic, or run an alternate beer and pretzels game. If you start canceling days due to no-shows people lose interest. Try and run something, anything on the days that you plan so people get into the rhythm of showing up. Alternately if real life is too hectic. You can try to run something by E-mail to get the wheels turning so you keep interest until you can get together. Or if you are already meeting but one session gets cancelled do a little E-mail back and forth to keep the story fresh in the players minds and keep interest up. Just a few thoughts.

First of all let me provide a spoiler warning. If any player from my future Red Star game lurks on this thread I will be very ticked. I'll give you a chance to back out now. You know who you are. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ok, I'm trying to create a sniper character for the heros to deal with. Sort of a crime scene investigators thing. The sniper will be heinously powerful given time and preperation. but if you get him running or get one step ahead, he should be an easy catch. A little mind over muscle. I am just working with Sidekick, DC and Hudson City. I'll post his stats here but I have a few rules questions at the end for the more knowledgable out there. Omega Val Char Cost Roll Notes 15 STR 5 12- 200kg; 3d6 20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7; DCV: 7 18 CON 16 13- 15 BODY 10 12- 18 INT 8 13- PER Roll 13- 20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7 18 PRE 8 13- PRE Attack 3½d6 10 COM 0 11- 6 PD 3 Total PD/rPD: 15/9 6 ED 2 Total ED/rED: 15/9 4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12 7 REC 0 36 END 0 32 STUN 0 Movement: Runnning: 6"/12" Swimming: 2"/4" Leaping: 7"/14" Cost Powers END/Roll 68 Greek Armor (battlesuit) ; OIF: -½ 10 -Find Weakness: Rifle Shot (13-) ; Versus (A Single Attack): +0; Extra Time (Full Phase): -½ 7 -Enhanced Perception: Sight (+5 to PER) ; Sense Category (Sense Group): ×2 3 -Nightvision ; Passive Sense 7 -Radio Perception/Transmission ; Passive Detect 3 -Increased Arc Of Perception (240° Sense Group) 20 -Telescopic Sense Group (+20 Sight Group) 18 -Armor (9 PD, 9 ED) 33 Killing Attack - Ranged (RKA): 3d6+1 Sniper Rifle ; Range (375"); Armor Piercing (×+1): +½; Charges (10): -¼; OAF: -1 0 Modified Barret Sniper Rifle. firing APEX rnds Cost Skills, Perks Roll 20 Greek HTH Training 4 -Block (OCV +2, DCV +2, Block, Abort) 4 -Dodge (OCV --, DCV +5, Dodge, Abort) 5 -Kick (OCV -2, DCV +1, STR Strike, 7d6) 4 -Punch (OCV +0, DCV +2, STR Strike, 5d6) 3 -Throw (OCV +0, DCV +1, STR Strike, 3d6+v/5, Target Falls) 3 Breakfall 13- 7 Climbing 15- 3 Fast Draw (Small Arms); Weapon: Small Arms 13- 3 CK: Hudson City 12- 5 PS: Greek Hitman 14- 9 Stealth 16- 3 Streetwise 13- 3 Tactics 13- 2 WF: ; (Small Arms) Small Arms: 2 12 +6 Combat with Rifle Shot 8 +8 Skill Level with Range Modifier; Conditional Power: Power Only Works In Given Situation/Circumstance (Only when Braced and Set) (Common): -1 5 +5 Skill Level with Targeting Modifiers; Conditional Power: Power Only Works In Given Situation/Circumstance (when Braced and Set) (Common): -1 200+ Disadvantages 25 Will not fire without Brace and Set (Very Common, Total) 15 Overconfidence (Very Common, Moderate) 20 Colorful Night Armor (Not Concealable, Feature Is Always Noticed And Causes Major Reaction/Prejudice) 25 Subject To Orders (14-, Severe) 15 Hatred of Military (Common, Strong) Costs: Char.: 116 Disad.: 100 Powers: + 184 Base: + 200 Total: = 300 Total: = 300 My questions are whether you think he will be an effective sniper. We are using hit locations. I used the skill modifiers for target bonus and range bonus. Is that good cost wise? Also are the telescoping sight and the Range modifiers redundant? I have a hero machine pic for him, but I'm trying to commision Storn once his schedule clears up. Past that any comment you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Favorite Superhero Lines In the Marvel "Support our Troops" comic" Avengers and Fantastic Four. Full of cool lines. I'll only list two. A huge UFO is found. It has been buried for centuries. a strange Orb is inside. Not reacting to scans. Human Torch: Maybe it's shy. Maybe someone should say HI Spider-Man: Yeah, It speaks english. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fantastic Four and the avengers are mid battle with some Kree warriors that were released from said Orb. Iron Man is trying to link with the F4 system to get a universal translator. Iron Man: it's locked Reed: I'll give you the password, Password HeRBIE55454675672! Iron Man: Thanks for making it easy Definately reccomend it. Spidey is all over the F4.

I'm trying to design some cyberware that can grant an adrenaline surge to get people up and out of combat. Medic runs up sticks a guy and he's somwhat better, for a while. something like 2-3d6 healing RSR. but I need a mechanic to have the effects temporary and then a side effect of STUN only damage (Maybe body if I feel nasty). So yes you get him up and out but you better moniter him becuase he's going to crash in 30min, an hour or whenever. I know side effects can cause the damage but how do I delay it and have the healing effect disappear. Can I link the healing with a delayed effect NND attack? There has got to be a simpler way I'm just not there yet. My rules-lawyer fu is still weak. Thanks in advance. -Peace

Re: Storn Art from Idea to Full Picture Year 2 Wow serendipity. This is going back to the Ice motif which may or may not be beating a dead horse. I was trying to stat out a religous scientist/inventor. Classic experiment gone wrong gets infused with Ice. Of course his name is Kelvin. Doesn't have the ice body. All powers based off a TK effect only working with Ice. He has the ability to freeze the air itself to create the ice then move it around. Using his newfound powers for good, and he's pios nature he takes himself to be a Angel. Or at least guises himself as one. Being immune to cold effects himself he gets around by creating ice crysatlline wings and manipulating them for flight. His inventor nature added a visor to help see through high speed flight. I didn't orignally have him use a spear but an Ice Spear would be cool as heck. No ice body just a blue jumpsuit. For defenses I was going for a cold effect NND damage shield. Life support intense cold. And a Force field with an acitvation (if he can create ice fast enough to block the attack) My vote for an existing idea would be Death Tribbles Angel. -peace

Re: Frameworks Question

Re: Weapon Element: Hover Cycle Hmm I'll probably just use a few martial manuevers. Just for some flavor and to get the player thinking in that vein. I certainly don't want a "guy-on-bike" vs. ninja fight to last more than one manuever. I want to keep a little realism. (just a little though) Maybe some Skill bonuses in combat driving for "Vehicle attacks" I just want to put this guy a touch above a normal biker. Sounds like a plan though. -Peace

Re: Frameworks Question

Re: Weapon Element: Hover Cycle Ahh so that's what that means. Thanks for the help.

Ok, I understand Elemental control (everything for half can-be used at the same time), and multipower (everything for a tenth but only one at a time) Could someone explain Variable Power Pool? I've seen it listed on the boards a few times but I'm working off the Sidekick rules book. It doesn't talk about VPP. I'm guessing it's just a bank of Active points that you can reassign all willy-nilly for different powers. Are their restrictions? How fast can you change from one power set to the another? Do you have to pre-determine powers at character creation? Any help would be great. Thanks, -Peace

Re: I just bought Hero 5th Edition Revised instead of GURPS 4th Edition.

Re: Weapon Element: Hover Cycle Oh sweet! Bike-fu seems just the ticket. Which issue number was March? Sketchpad- How did you handle the balance issues brought up by RDU Neil? I agree with buying seperate manuevers just for Bike-fu, what about requiring X amount speed to pull off a move? I see the full move req. for the Roundhouse wheel, how about the lancing? I was also thinking of the classic cycle-slide into the group of thugs. AE trip? Sweep manuver? Careful on the puns Neil. Don't make me throw dice. I know people. -Peace

Has anyone out there tried to make a martial arts based on hitting people with vehicles? I'm thinking you would need a two-wheeler for spins and things. A lot of move-throughs but I would like strikes too. Either HTH attacks from the back of the bike, or, (more what I want) useing the bike itself to attack. The character I'm thinking of this for would be a Shadowrun rigger-type. Phenomenal driver skills/vehicle control but can't move his body while driving. He's effectively tied to the bike. I thought it would be fun. Has anyone out there tried this? -Peace

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread. WOOT! Rebecca made the cut. She is definately Jedi-inspired. But in play much more of a bookworm. Just to add in my two-cents about the picture. I loved it. Storn really captured all the subtle little details. The right glove shows her other arm to be normal. Cyber-ware looks awesome. Definately recommend Storn for any art needs. He can take a text description and really make it shine. Thanks for the link Storn. I was wondering where all the views came from.

Re: Red Stars: campaign Ok here's the first Character. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Agent Nathan Ramsey Val Char Cost Roll Notes 15 STR 5 12- 200kg; 3d6 18 DEX 24 13- OCV: 6; DCV: 8 15 CON 10 12- 15 BODY 10 12- 15 INT 5 12- PER Roll 12- 15 EGO 10 12- ECV: 5 15 PRE 5 12- PRE Attack 3d6 10 COM 0 11- 5 PD 2 Total PD/rPD: 11/6 5 ED 2 Total ED/rED: 11/6 4 SPD 12 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12 6 REC 0 30 END 0 30 STUN -1 Movement: Runnning: 9"/18" Swimming: 4"/8" Leaping: 5"/10" Cost Powers END/Roll 5 Nightvision ; Passive Sense 3 Flash Defense (Sight Group, 3 Pts) 5 Infrared Perception ; Passive Detect 2 Enhanced Perception: Sight (+2 to PER) ; Sense Category (Single Sense): ×1 3 Telescopic Sense Group (+2 Sight Group) 10 Radio Perception/Transmission ; Passive Detect 20 Mind Link: Squad Link ; Minds Involved (Related Group): +10; Number of Minds (8): +15; Distance (Any): +5; Dimension (Current): +0; No LOS Needed: +10; Only With Others Who Have Mind Link: -1 Cost Skills, Perks Roll 3 Acting 12- 3 Breakfall 13- 1 Bribery 8- 3 Climbing 13- 3 Combat Driving 13- 5 +1 Combat with Ranged Combat/Small Arms 3 +1 Combat with Small Arms 2 +1 Combat with Favorite Sidearm 3 Concealment 12- 10 +2 Combat with DCV Against All Attacks Blending Effect of Skin 5 Disguise 13- 6 +3 Skill Level with Diguise (from cybernetic skin) 1 Demolitions 8- 3 Mimicry 12- 2 Navigation; Base Category: Land Navigation (Orienteering) 12- 2 KS: BLADE Terrorist Organization 11- 1 Paramedic 8- 2 PS: Radio Communicator 11- 2 PS: Red Star 11- 5 Rapid Attack: Ranged 3 Stealth 13- 3 Shadowing 12- 3 Streetwise 12- 3 Systems Operation 12- 3 Tactics 12- 3 Teamwork 13- 3 Tracking 12- 3 WF: Small Arms; (Small Arms) Small Arms: 2; (Knives) Blades: 1 3 Linguist 1 Arabic (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 1 French (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 1 German (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 2 Japanese (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 1 Italian (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 1 Russian (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 1 Spanish (Fluent Conversation); Fluency: Fluent Conversation; Literacy: Standard, 0 21 Commando Training 4 Martial Block (OCV +2, DCV +2, Block, Abort) 4 Martial Dodge (OCV --, DCV +5, Dodge, Abort) 4 Martial Strike (OCV +0, DCV +2, STR Strike, 5d6) 4 Martial Disarm (OCV -1, DCV +1, Disarm, STR 25) 5 Offensive Strike (OCV -2, DCV +1, STR Strike, 7d6) Cost Talents Roll 15 Spatial Radar 12- 4 Digital Recorder; Retrocognition; Conditional Power: Power Only Works In Given Situation/Circumstance (Only for Memorized/Perceived info) (Very Uncommon): -2; Additional Sense (Normal Sight): +5; Additional Sense (Normal Hearing): +5 Only about 2 hours worth of footage 3 Lightning Calculator 5 Headware Memory; Conditional Power: Power Only Works In Given Situation/Circumstance (Only for uploaded information) (Ubiquitous): +0 10 Combat Luck (6 PD, 6 ED); Conditional Power: Power Only Works In Given Situation/Circumstance (Only while wearing Holo Clothes) (Extremely Common): -¼ 150+ Disadvantages 10 In the Public Eye (As Powerful, 8-, Watching) 20 Subject To Orders (14-, Major) 5 Other Red Star Teams 10 Military Uniform (Concealable, Feature Is Noticed And Recognizable) 25 Hunted ??? (More Powerful, 8-, Harshly Punish) 15 Scans as Cybernetic Equipment Weapons Costs: Char.: 94 Disad.: 85 Powers: + 206 Base: + 150 Total: = 300 Total: = 235 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm leaving some slots of Disads open for Player imput. Weapons will be free equipment. Still deciding what's available. Thoughts from the lurkers out there? -Peace

Re: Red Stars: campaign IT's ON!! Just got Sidekick in the mail. I'll post the stats as I make 'em. Man I love my wife! -Peace

Re: Arcanus: Story Here's the next installment: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlos flipped up his hood and walked his baby out into the world. The cold wind stung immediately. 40 billion creds to make an atmosphere on this rock and they couldn’t install one heater? It didn’t snow on Neptune but the wind and the air temperature was bad enough. Taking one last look at Jeffries Generators he hopped up on his bike and headed back into Downtown. Downtown. The term is used very loosely. Downtown was a 15 square mile area. It took up maybe 30 percent of the zone. The rest of the zone had outlying shops and ghettos. Compared to New Detroit, “Downtown†was a desert. Maybe 2 million people tops. Their space scrapers barely touch hit 100 stories. Just a desert. No wonder I have to settle for hauling engine parts across the great gray waste. Carlos had never known engine parts to come in 6 small, matching, black, plastic cases but it wasn’t his job to pack them; just delivery them. Besides, usually it was better not to know. Professionalism dictated that he head out right away. Screw that, his 10 min job took 4 hours. I got time for a beer. Finding a nice seedy looking place he decided to stop. Not one to take chances, Carlos turned on his bike’s security system. Now if somebody tried to start it 15,000 volts would light up his body like a Gift Day tree. Let one person try, jus one. I need some new boots. With that little prayer he walked in. This bar had obviously been in one too many bar fights. The chrome chairs were dented and cracked. He saw a sim booth in the corner but the amount of bottles piled inside said it wasn’t working. Well, who needs sims when you can drink yourself anywhere? There were maybe 30 people inside. All various forms of filth. The curtain in the back moaned with some form of debauchery. The group off to the left just radiated “gangbangers†why do they always where the same color? A couple of junkies stumbled about but nothing to be concerned with. Finally his eyes rested on his destination. The last open bar stool. “Hey! What ‘ave ya got?†hollered Carlos, at no one in particular. Responding to his request a view-screen lit up in front of him. An older sour looking-man stared back at him. “Don’t ‘hey’ me, son. I ain’t no horse. We got anything you need.†“Just a beer pops.†maybe a little debauchery. But that will be later. “Call me pops again and you can drink somewhere else.†“Keep calling me son and you’ll need a new throat.†“Whatever big talker here’s your beer. Plug your cred in and shut up.†A nice cold longneck slid up from the back side of the bar and then over to Carlos. Taking the beer he plugged in his cred-stick and let the payment happen. A lot of people worry about these cred-sticks. Saying people can trace you and other bull. That’s why everything he buys he uses a un-registered stick. Pretty traceless since it had no connection to a bank account. Just a set amount encoded on the stick. Most of Carlos’ paycheck came on these sticks. Carlos sat back and enjoyed his beer. People milled about flirting and threatening. There really wasn’t a difference with these people. One of the 5 gangbangers got up to leave. The ’banger gave a quick nod towards Carlos before heading out. what the heck was that about? About 5 minutes later the sound of electricity arched through the air. Followed closely by the smell of burnt hair. Ah that’s what it was about. Poor small town guy. Two of the ‘bangers ran out to check on their bud. The other two stalked over to Carlos looking rather upset. “Hey ponch! Is that your skid out front?†“Could be†Carlos tried to remain clam as his hand slid down to his Cobra. The other two ‘bangers came back shaking there heads with pistols at there sides. Carlos didn’t know how many friends the ‘bangers had but four was already a bit rough if they got the drop on him. not likely. “Well your skid just fried my coz. What are you gonna do about it?†“You coz should have bought one instead of stealing†Carlos lowered his eyes at their leader. “And you should think long and hard before making your next decision.†The Cobra was warmed up and ready. All four ‘bangers crowded him now. “One for one ponch.†With that the leader went for his waist. Carlos never gave him a chance. His twitchy reflexes reacted much faster then this poor sod expected. With a smooth motion Carlos fired his Cobra from under his jacket and brought his elbow into a second ‘bangers nose. The energy pulse sank deep into the leaders ribcage. Burning flesh and bone, on it’s way through and out the other side. The remaining patrons began scattering for the door. Fools have probably never even seen an energy pistol this far out. The remaining ’bangers feel backward grasping for their own pistols. Carlos leaped the bar and was covered behind it before the leader hit the floor. Gunfire erupted inside the bar. Glass and bullet fragments rang down on Carlos’ bunkered position. All that ammo and they still can’t shoot. Amateurs. Among the chaos Carlos waited patiently for his moment. It came soon enough. All the firing soon switched to a series of clicks and curses. Smiling Carlos stood up and drew down on three fools. All reloading at the same time. Two quick shots dropped two dumb ‘bangers. The third looked up to see Carlos standing on the bar with a bead on his head. “5...4...3..†Carlos began counting. The ‘banger began running. “2...†The ‘banger reached the door and dived out. “1..†Carlos let him run away. Cute kids. They need a better leader. With that he walked out to his skid and left. Boots on the victim seemed small so he left them. Average response time of the five-oh out here was 7 minutes for a gunshot call. Checking his watch he grumbled. “should’ve finished my beer.†-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episdoe Three will finally have him heading out. -Peace

Re: Arcanus: Story I'm hoping that the players actions will be easy to describe. Hero helps that out. This story has more of a gritty feel. but this is a loner/runner. The Red Stars will be a military team. So the gritty stuff will be beneath them. This story hopefully shows the grit of Arcanus. While our adventure shows the beauty. Dealing with the grit when needed. -Peace