Deadman

Sure you can. I personally completely tore up a silhouette at 100 meters with an M249 and I was doing it from the hip, Rambo style . You put enough rounds down range and have even a passing knowledge of what you're doing and your target is toast. Just walk it in.

I was actually working on some Mechanics for this very thing for a Horror game I wanted to start running. My take on it is below, though I did not get around to doing the charts. Feel free to steal anything you want but please share what you come up with... New Characteristics Sanity (SAN) - A primary characteristic similar to BODY which determines the Character's mental stability. SAN has a default score of 10 which indicates a normal person. SAN has a cost of 2 character points for each point of Sanity. As the score decreases the character begins to lose his grip on reality. SAN cannot be healed back without professional help unless some type of healing is used. At 0 SAN a character has become completely deranged and is prone to outbursts according to the following chart (modified by current disadvantages) [obviously I will have to construct a chart] Composure (COMP) - A figured characteristic similar to STUN which determines the Character's current mental stability. COMP has a figured value of PRE/2 + EGO/2 + SAN and costs 1 character point for each point of COMP. As a person's Composure decreases they suffer from effect according to the following chart [again I will have to construct a chart]. Each time a character's COMP reaches 0 they take 1 point of SAN damage. COMP is healed by using Presence Defense (PRD - described below)in the same manner as normal recoveries and can take place at the same time. Presence Defense (PRD) - A figured characteristic that acts as the defense of a character versus PRE attacks. PRD has a figured value of PRE/5 + EGO/5 and costs 2 character points for each point of PRD. Modifications on current rules PRE attacks - Currently PRE attacks are compared with the character's PRE score to determine what level of effect they have on an individual. They also take no time to do if performed in a character's phase. Moving forward they will be treated similarly to standard attacks. PRE is the offensive portion of the equation and each 5 points of PRE is equal to 1d6 COMP damage. The difference is that a character can choose how to use this damage. It can act as either a drain to COMP or aid to the same. Performing a PRE attack takes a 1/2 phase and is considered an attack action. Characters can perform attacks with Casual PRE (Half the character's damage) as a 0 phase, non-combat action if they wish. Example Illinois Johnson is exploring a mysterious cave when he accidentally unleashes a minor demon. The Demon appears and immediately does a PRE attack on Illinois. The Demon intends to attack so only performs a Casual PRE attack. The Demon has a 30 PRE and attacks for 6d6 normally, the GM decides that because Illinois was surprised he takes an additional 1d6. This means that the Demon is doing a 3.5d6 (6d6 + 1d6 / 2 = 3.5d6) casual PRE attack on poor Illinois. The GM rolls a great damage roll of 6,5,4 and a 3 (2) on the half die. This results in 17 COMP damage to poor old Illinois. What the Demon didn't bargain for is that Illi is no chicken and has a PRD of 6 and the talent of Steel Nerves (for an additional PRD of 5). Illi takes 17-6-5=6 COMP damage and is not scared (the score was not equal to or above his EGO). Illi acts first and draws and fires at the Demon. Combat ensues...

I really like the way that this sounds. I don't think that I would use it for individual shots though. Most of the characters that use single shot weapons rely on Rapid Fire for multiple shots (and that gets them burning ammo pretty quick). On the other hand I LOVE this for Autofire attacks. I think it will really add something to the game. A fun fact from way back - in the early versions of Champions you got a bonus to OCV just for purchasing Autofire. I don't think that I would use the DC bonus, just the OCV. My take on it at this point would be for each doubling of bursts they would get +1 to OCV (to a maximum of +2). It becomes a full phase attack but can be used with Brace, Set and/or Strafe. I think it will really up the action level and make even the high DCV characters think twice when they take on someone with a machinegun. At this point I would also limit it to only full Autofire (No 2 or 3 shot +1/4 stuff) or require a 5 shot/10 shot investment for the bonus. I think I would also limit characters as to the area that they can affect to the original advantage. Meaning that they can't fire into a 40 meter area at +2 OCV since they are now firing 20 bullets. They have to put all 20 (or 10) shots into at most a 10m area (essentially the area covered by their original autofire purchase). I never liked the old "Blazing Away" rule in 5e where you would send tons of rounds down range but only hit on a natural 3. I think that when we are talking about that many rounds it would be easier to hit something, right? Thanks for the great idea.

I guess I am the lonesome crow. While I too am a child of the 80s my Dark Champions campaign has more of this feel to it...

Re: Converting Dark Champions 5th Edition to the 6th Edition rules My group has decided to stick with 5th Ed. primarily out of familiarity. The transition wouldn't be very difficult but since there is no real support for the genre at this time, why change? If you are starting a new campaign and not relying on printed materials (meaning villains, etc.) then using 6th Ed. would be even easier.

Re: Where to find: Delta and Navy SEAL templates?

Re: Boot Blade? I like the Invisible effect for the first use. It really shouldn't give an OCV bonus since the kick itself is pretty obvious. It is the damage type that would catch someone by surprise. Here is another shot of one from Blade III, Abigail Whistler uses it (and you have to love Jessica Biel). So I guess it would look like this... 10 Boot Blade: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1/2d6, Invisible to Sight Group, Source Only (+1/4) (12 Active Points); IIF (-1/4) [ATTACH=CONFIG]42401[/ATTACH] It is at 3:19

Re: What is Happening with Dark Champions? I think that you are on to something. It seems that the definition of "Dark Champions" is somewhat muddled by the multiple genres that are encompassed within it. I think that most people think of DC as the side of Champions that deals with Batman, The Punisher and Daredevil. Heroes (or Anti-Heroes) who patrol the streets and don't necessarily take part in the large scale escapades of their flying, energy blasting, cape wearing bretheren. Most gamers seem unaware that DC also incorporates the A-Team, 007 and Jason Bourne. I personally feel that much of this is due to the name and the future release should be more generic (like other products such as Fantasy Hero and Pulp Hero). Something like Action Hero would be perfect. From that point, supplements could be created that deal with the various sub-genres (e.g. Espionage, Vigilantes, Super Agents, etc.).

Re: What is Happening with Dark Champions? Thanks for the lead on Steve's post and the heads up on SpyCraft, I will have to check those out.

Re: What is Happening with Dark Champions? Thanks Dave, I never intended the site for public consumption but I am glad that it has been of use to you. Now that I know someone is using it I may publish some of the other things from the campaign. As to your request for the bad guys...I also borrowed the premise and introduction from a PBEM I was in. So most of them I haven't written up and probably won't until I need to use them. I have also looked into Millenium's End but found it to be more Top Secretish than Vigilante related. That said, I have borrowed a few things from it.

Based on forum activity I have noticed a marked decline in the number of people that seem to be playing the Dark Champions genre. I have a hard time believing that people have all of a sudden lost their appetite for Guns and Violence. Is this due to Herogames' lack of support for the genre or some other reason that I am not seeing? My group has been playing a Dark Champions campaign for nearly six years now and it is the most successful game we have ever had. Speaking of support for Dark Champions, is there any plan to revive the genre? Perhaps renaming it "Action Hero" or something else and updating the genre book and perhaps the Hudson City sourcebook? I am looking for similar publications from other companies but I really haven't found a whole lot. Most of the stuff I see is either Near Future, Post Apocalyptic or Urban Fantasy. Can anyone suggest a good setting or system for Vigilante style play in modern times. Not to replace Dark Champions, as I love using the Hero System for this genre, but to supplement it. My campaign is essentially a mix of Batman and the Punisher with some Boondock Saints thrown in for good measure. No superpowers exist but we make extensive use of Non-powered powers and semi-realistic Equipment. Thanks for your help,

Re: Computers and PDA write-ups Thanks for your take on it. I think you are in the majority about just assuming that it is equipment that everyone can have. Honestly, I normally go the same route. But this vigilante makes extensive use of his so I thought he should pay points for it. I have taken a preliminary stab at it that I am sharing (if I can figure how to post it) but I really like some of your ideas. I already thought of the GPS and have it as Navigation on the PDA but your tracker idea is pretty cool. I may just have to add that. Talion's PDA Player: Tom Lively DEX 10 INT 15 SPD 2 Power Durable Casing: Armor (4 PD/4 ED) Secure Cell Communications: Mind Link , Any Willing Target (15 Active Points); Only With Others Who Have Mind Link (-1), Sense Affected As More Than One Sense Hearing and Radio groups, Not Mental (-1/2) Lighted Display: Change Environment: Create Light 1" radius (-2 to Sight Group PER Rolls), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (12 Active Points); Only to create light (-1), No Range (-1/2) Speaker: Hearing Group Images 1" radius, +/-2 to PER Rolls, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (16 Active Points); Only to Play Sounds On PDA (-1) Powers Cost: 31 Skills Voice Commands: Language - English (completely fluent) GPS: Navigation (Land) 14- Internet Access: KS: Everything (9 Active Points); Extra Time (1 Turn or More, -1 1/4) 18- MP3 Player: KS: Song And Sound Database 11- Skills Cost: 15 Talents Clock: Absolute Time Sense Calculator: Lightning Calculator Video/Audio Recorder and Camera: Eidetic Memory Program: Execute Voice Commands Talents Cost: 12 Total Character Cost: 63 Disadvantages Physical Limitation: Battery Operated (Must Be Charged 1/Day) (Frequently; Slightly Impairing) Disadvantage Points: 10 Base Points: 75

Hey Everyone, So now that we are fully embroiled in the Age of Technology I wondered if any of you have actually statted out a standard PDA or Home Computer in Hero System terms? I have a character in Dark Champions that carries a custom PDA created by his Technology guru follower. I am thinking that it would be constructed as a computer with a lot of trappings that have been previously done in the books. I am still playing 5e but conversion should be pretty easy since I don't think that was changed much. Here are a list of things that I think it would have at a minimum... Untraceable Telephone Communications - Mind Link with Limitations Calculator - Lightning Calc with Limitations Clock - Absolute Time Sense with Limitations Video and Audio Recorder and Camera - Eidetic Memory with Limitations Internet Access - KS: Everything (per recent products) with Limitations What else should it have? Does anyone have an example of something that they created? Thanks,

Re: What are some things , in terms of storytelling/plot, that are "off limits" in yo In our DC game there isn't a whole lot that is off limits. One difficulty I often find when creating scenarios is creating villains that are worse than the gun wielding psychopaths that are the PCs. While they are all heroically motivated that definition has to be somewhat stretched to encompass them. Our campaign is kind of a Batman/Punisher hybrid where super powers don't exist but we make extensive use of super-skills and dramatic license. The Dark Champs game has become our longest running game and the players have all said that their PCs are among their favorite characters ever. I try to inject a lot of realism into the game and unfortunately there are some very twisted and evil people in our society. I stop short of actually describing some of the vile acts that take place but I have tormented my PCs brutally in the past. For example at the start of one session I handed all the players character sheets of someone close to them and then systematically played out the hit on that individual. This was mainly to instill hatred of the villains and make the game more personal. In a nutshell, it worked. Recently we had a PC die which I pre-scripted with the player but the look of shock on the other player's faces was priceless. In short my campaign is an extremely violent and twisted one with little off limits. Fortunately all of the players are mature adults and can handle the subject matter, we wouldn't do it otherwise.

Re: The Hudson City Playlist In my Dark Champions game I tend to use a lot of Heavy Metal. This is probably from personal preference but I find that action movies do the same thing so it works pretty well. Some of the Bands that I find particularly effective for action sequences are... Drowning Pool, Monster Magnet, Disturbed, White Zombie, Pantera, Seether, Sevendust, Corrosion of Conformity, Godsmack amongst a host of others. I try for the aggressive tracks that really get the blood flowing. For buildup I try to stick with slower more Doom or Goth Metal and less agression using bands like... Lacuna Coil, Pentagram, Cathedral, Candlemass, Theatre of Tragedy, Type O Negative and even some Evanescence. I choose the tracks that are slow and basically set a dour mood. I actively stay away from really popular songs that my players will know since I have found that it can become distracting. Fortunately they are quite the Metal connoisseur that I have become over the years. Just what works for me your mileage may vary.

Re: What Other Dark Champions Resources Would You Recommend? Thanks for the ideas! My players will hate you.

Re: Haymaker! Wants You

Re: [Character] Bluefire I like the concept and applaud the idea of using Multiform to represent different versions of Armor (Iron Man most certainly has this). As a GM I wouldn't allow both OIHID and a Focus on the same powers (I feel they are kind of representative of the same thing).

Re: Help Wanted: Neutralising Gadgets I really like this approach. A character using more or less everyday items against specific archetypes. 1. Big bag of Baking Soda 2. Oil Slick and a high velocity poison dart gun (pick your poison) 3. More Oil... 4. Water baloon filled with fluorescent dye (can't hide by changing shape) 5. Handfulls of Pepper (it's hard to dodge when you're sneezing) Mentalist: Thick Bag zip tied around the neck (can't see 'em can't target 'em) Energy Projector and other Ranged combatants: Big globs of tar that are shot at their face so they can't see. Many of these would work well for a normal type character with tons of find weakness and some normal weapons.

Re: Another Brick in the Wall (Tell me about your Brick!) I really like the Brick Archetype and have often played the team strongman. Favorite: J-Rock - an ex-gangbanger and odd combination of Brick and Latent Mentalist. J-Rock had low level mentalist powers (most of which weren't necessarily mental powers). For example he didn't have Mind Control he did have 4 levels with OCV (Psionic -1/2) that represented his ability to force an opponent to stand still. Most Fun: Fortress - Fortress is a size changing Brick (he can both grow and shrink) but what made him fun was his Variable Power Pool of contacts (GM allowed). This represented his little black book...Fortress was something of a ladies man. Most Powerful: Powerhouse - Just your average nigh invulnerable brick. I created the character in 1983 (he started at 250 pts.) and played him fairly consistantly through 1995. He is currently a 755 point character throwing around nearly 30d6 attacks and shrugging of the same. Most Unusual: RIP (Rest In Pieces) - This Villain who did fit into the general definition of Brick had the ability to disassemble his body however he wanted.

I have a size alteration character who uses a rather powerful attack in somewhat dire situations and I always wondered of the "legitimate" ruling on it. The character has both Shrinking and Growth in a multipower and when shrunk has an enormous leap (bought outside the multipower but linked to Shrinking). I will state the actual numbers to make this easier to follow. Fortress: Spd 4 Phase 3: Shrinks to his smallest size (9 inches) and uses concealment to hide Phase 6: Leaps at a villain using 35" of leaping performing a Move Through, just before impact he shuts off his Shrinking and Grows to full height (80 Str) and lands a whalloping move through on the villain. As far as I know, none of this is specifically against the rules. In the phase in which he attacks he is performing a 0 phase manuever (changing slots in a multipower) and a full phase manuever (move through). What think you Steve? Thanks, Tom

I have a teleporter character that has bought an Area Effect EB with the Selective advantage (ala Nightcrawler) to represent him teleporting around and hitting multiple targets in an area. I would like to add Autofire to the attack so that he hits each target multiple times. Do I still have to pay the +1 surcharge on Autofire? Logic tells me no because he still has to make a standard attack roll for the Selective advantage. Steve?

Re: Susano's Song-Based DC NPCs How 'bout The Sentinel - Judas Priest Along deserted avenues Steam begins to rise The figures primed and ready Prepared for quick surprise Hes watchin for a sign His life is on the line Dogs whine in the alleys Smoke is on the wind From deep inside its empty shell A cathedral bell begins to toll A storm begins to grow Amidst the upturned burned-out cars The challengers await And in their fists clutch iron bars With which to seal his fate Across his chest is scabbards rest The rows of throwing knives Whose razor points in challenged tests Have finished many lives Now facing one another The stand-off eats at time Then all at once a silence falls As the bell ceases its chime Upon this sign the challengers With shrieks and cries rush forth The knives fly out like bullets Upon their deadly course Screams of pain and agony Rent the silent air Amidst the dying bodies Blood runs everywhere The figure stands expressionless Impassive and alone Unmoved by this victory And the seeds of death hes sown Sworn to avenge Condemn to hell Tempt not the blade All fear the sentinel

Re: Archer Art I found it!!!! Turns out it wasn't in any Champions book but in Silver Age Sentinels. But it was done by Storn.

Re: Archer Art I think it might be an older Storn piece...