Nagisawa Takumi

Re: Kazei 5

I mostly agree with the review. A few stylistic things, especially as one of my current players is an English instructor in Osaka, but a lot of the female characters are 'too tall to be sympathetic', especially when most of the other male characters listed are either significantly shorter, or outright unsympathetic. (Example: Sylia of the Knight Sabers is 5' 9", making huge for her time, but even then, most of the male support cast are taller than she is.)

But really, I'd give this game (including the organizational confusion) a total of 9.5 out of 10. And that's only because I never give anything a 10.

Re: Announcing Kazei 5, Second Edition

Discussion of Mythic America is here:

http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php/81452-In-Progress-From-Blackwyrm-Games-Mythic-America?goto=newpost

 

K5 is slated to be produced for Mutants and Masterminds 3rd Edition come 2011. Other editions are up to BlackWyrm.

Honestly, I don't think K5 can be made to work in M&M, and I say that as a fan of M&M (In fact, for Supers, I PREFER M&M over HERO.) But hey, I'm waiting to be surprised. The Hero version is pretty damn cool!

Re: What do you really think of Champions Online?

Well Cert, seeing as Bill Roper is no longer the CEO of Cryptic (He worked on CoX, FYI) there's a chance it'll get 'better'. After all, they've been here ONE YEAR, which does say something of it's potential.

Re: Announcing Kazei 5, Second Edition

Ah, cool. Well then... PM sent.

Re: What do you really think of Champions Online?

Personally, I think CO should have been what CoX should have been. The current animations and power sets are PERFECT for Super's play. More than CoX Fantasy set up (Controllers, and Defenders? Really? Have you seen anything remotely like that in any comic book?) Unfortunately, CoX has momentum behind it, and CO has nothing, also the former management didn't exactly expand from the CoX formula, which cripples the game more than it should.

But the powers and the current animations, man... What it could have been... Pity.

Re: Announcing Kazei 5, Second Edition

I'll once again mention the existence of the Kazei 5 2nd Edition Mailing List. Email or PM me if you want an invite.

Sorry for Vanishing, I've got some stuff on the back burner and suddenly it exploded and I had to deal and... Well, life happens.

Anyway, I have to know, what's a mailing list? I've never been on one...

Re: Announcing Kazei 5, Second Edition

I'll point out that the game is set in North America' date=' which means I tried to have realistic North American heights for people. So you get Shion at 6'1 all they way down to her sister at 5'5". Oh, and Tetsutenshi at around 5'2" or so. Shoko is around 6'3" which is about on par for the Puma Sisters from Dominion. That said, Shion was made to be 6'1" because in the very first campaign, all of the PCs were pretty tall, and I wanted her to be able to look them in the eye.[/quote']

 

Shoko is 6'5". Puma's in general are 6' 3". Also, the current average height is about 5' 5"-6" for women and 5' 9"-10" for men. I highly doubt that the average would change that much in about 20 years (The average height the female NPC's have works out to about 5' 9". )

 

However, as I am in negotiations to run this with at least three people, it has been suggested that any female over 6 feet lost 6" in height (Still making Shion and Shoko tall, but not exceedingly so), while anyone over 5' 6" gets to lost up to 3". Not my suggestions, but it seems you have a fan in some of the NPCs. Except that they're 'too tall' (Which I DO agree with.)

 

Besides, at 5' 7" Shion (Which is the current favourite with two of my players, one of which may be running a solo PBEM, or IRC game for me, and that player is a woman, so it would seem that Ms. Nys has fans of both genders around here) still puts her in the American Supermodel class, but at the same time allows the male players to not have to make giants to 'feel secure'. (It's a consensus among my players that men get REALLY insecure when a woman is taller than they are. And it's something we've noticed on the street. It's kinda silly, really, but there you have it.)

 

(I apologize for rambling like this, but I like to give people the direction I'm coming from. )

 

I also think that what you're getting is "Americanized" anime (or something like that)' date=' because thats what it evolved into. I also think that running something in exact accordance to how Japan would do it probably wouldn't go over well, because it would clash to much with how most people think things should go. So, to be fair, K5 isn't so much an anime RPG as an anime-inspired RPG.[/quote']

 

Really? Because it feels a LOT like the Anime I used to watch in the mid to late 90s (Which I think is a good thing. I loved Armitage, still do, actually.) It's something that actually appeals to me about this setting.

 

In rebuttal' date=' A) can't help you there... you're right, the tallest female leads I can think of are still pretty short (except Balalaika from [i']Black Lagoon[/i]) and isn't that what the PCs are for? If you note in the text, Raven did it and so did Takeda Johnson.

 

Perhaps, but like I said above, a couple of potential players want to shorten the list a bit. In more ways that one.

 

I'm not sure I follow this. I don't recall recommending using any of the NPCs as a GM's PC. I tried to give advice for how to use the various characters in your game(s) and also mentioned how they were used in previous games.

 

No, you don't, but I remember a section (And damned if I can't find it) how you could use GMPCs to keep the players 'in line'. That stung a nerve. And I apologize for jumping on it, but once bitten and all that.

 

Well' date=' Shirow wasn't the only influence, there was also [i']Akira, Battle Angel[/i], and Silent Mobius (among others). And yes, I did notice that a lof of players made female PCs (a combination of anime + PBEM or something). I did try to include a variety of NPCs and sample characters, both male and female, but will admit, I think it's skewed toward female NPCs.

 

No, Shirow wasn't the only, but his attitude (Except for the extremeness, or rather that's how it came off in a couple of translated interviews) is relatively common for most male Manga artists. Personally, as I stated, I'd rather have a more even split in terms of capacity.

 

And yes, you have a lot more girls than guys listed. Nothing wrong with that, mind you.

Re: Announcing Kazei 5, Second Edition

Picked this up on a whim. Love it. It's just the sort of Cyberpunk I like, and I didn't know I was wanting. It's what Cyberpunk 3e should have been!

I love the detail in the world, how the psionics and cybernetics are written to fit. It's a very well thought out setting.

However, a few things do stand out that make this an 8.5 out of 10, rather than a 9.5 (I never give the max, NOR the lowest, because it can always be 'better', even if I don't see it, and it can always be worse.)

First the female NPCs. They're... Well, you can tell without looking at the credits which females are made by guys, and the one that's made by a woman. The American RPG gamer fascination with super tall Amazonian women is actually rather amusing. And it misses the point for being 'anime'. It's closer to American comics that is Japanese. Alita of Battle Angel fame is about 5 feet of pure combat power, but most of the enemies and allies are taller than she is.

In Japan (Where most of the males aren't exactly 6 feet, yet) they usually have the hero(ine) be somewhat 'short' or average in height, while the villain(ess)s are taller. It actually stems back to World War II, where the giant American was the villain, and sets up a David and Goliath scenario that they so love over there. Shion Nys for example would be an unredeemable villain because A) She's super tall, and A complete ice-queen with little to no male counterpart to help thaw her out (A Japanese favourite style of romance, or at least most fans prefer it.)

But then, I wouldn't use a single built in NPC from Kazei 5 anyway. Especially coupled with some of the GM advice. Which brings me to the second point.

The author advises the use of GMPCs. Which to me, and my experiences, is a no-no. Really bad idea. This is actually worse than my first complaint.

As for the female empowerment, well all I can say is that the only reason that Masamune Shirow draws female leads in his comics is because he's stated in an interview that he absolutely hates drawing men. Can't stand it. So he makes his females be the lead, so that he can minimize the amount of page space for male characters. If he had his way, it would be all lesbians.

As for me, I like equal footing, no matter the gender. Although Tsundere characters are often cooler than most male ones.

However, when it is all said and done, I rate this setting a whopping 8.5 out of 10. I love this and I plan on using it for years to come.

Re: I killed a PC.

(P.S. I apologize for the TvTropes link' date=' for whoever gets stuck, I am very sorry)[/quote']

 

I HATE YOU! I almost missed my City of Heroes ship raid thanks to the link!

 

Not to make light of the situation, but...

 

...every time I see this thread's title I "hear" it to the tune of "I Kissed A Girl" by Katy Perry....

 

Glad to know I wasn't the only one...

 

On a side note: Since Mr. Long is reminded of the song "I kissed a girl".

 

I thought I killed a PC's lyrics may look something like this:

 

This was never the way I planned

Not my intentions

PC was brave, weapon in hand

GM at his discretion

It’s not what I’m used to

Just want to try it out

I’m furious for you

Caught your attention

I killed a PC and I liked it, and with his own nightstick

I killed a PC just to try it

I hope my players don’t mind it

It felt so wrong, it felt so right

Don’t mean it’s over tonight

I killed a PC and I liked it, I liked it

No, I’m the GM at this game

Not how they should behave, my head is so confused

Make them obey

I killed a PC and I liked it, and with his own nightstick

I killed a PC just to try it

I hope my players don’t mind it.

It felt so wrong, it felt so right

Don’t mean it’s over tonight

The PC are so magical, iron skin, biceps rips, so killable, hard to resist, so trustable

To good not to try it

Ain’t no big deal; I’m innocent.

I killed a PC and I liked it.

 

 

I hope you approve

 

 

OK, I wish I could rep you more for that one!

Re: Your favorite character type

I got three I like. Power Armour pilots, pure martial artists (Which I include weapon(s) masters in) and 'one man armies/super detectives', a la Robin, Batman and the like, which are a combination of Martial Arts, Gadgets and all out intelligence.

Re: Champions 6th version

To be dead honest, there are some things about 6e I don't care about, others I'm neutral, and I have yet to hear anything that actually appeals.

But I'm going to take a 'Wait and See' on this. I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time either.

Re: Cool Guns for your Games

And for those of you who want to make your own guns, based of other designs, I present to you, this:

http://pimpmygun.doctornoob.com/

Re: Champions 6th version

Champions Universe 6E is slated for Later this year.

 

Champions Genre Book is slated for fallish.

Huhn, my info's wrong. Good to know.

For myself, I'm not so sure on the 6e changes, but I'd like to play in it to get a feel for it. Who knows, maybe my initial perceptions may be wrong and I'll like them.

As for Champions 6e, I'm not sure I like the visual/art changes to Defender's suit. But then I'm biased, I like the Modern/Movie Iron Man style of power armour.

Re: Champions 6th version

I don't think there will be a CHAMPIONS for 6th ed. Didn't they sell the entire universe to Cryptic Studios for the MMO?

Re: High Speed Low Drag Tactical Toys

OK, that's... Pretty cool, actually...

I don't know to be disturbed or impressed.

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine

Gotta give him a Hunted: Theseus, 8-, As Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical Influence, Harshly Punish.

 

(No I'm not going to explain that. If you don't get it, shame on you)

Leave the Greeks out of this!

Re: Mercenary Supervillains

That's a good point, Bigby. I can think of at least two Spidey villains that are complete mercenaries.

The Green Goblin.

The Scorpion. In fact, wasn't Scorpy originally hired by J.J.J. to help discredit Spidey?

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine

 

Agents Salt and Pepper of the FBI, Uberhuman Division

Those are some BUTCH women! Yeesh, talk about unattractive.

Re: Mercenary Supervillains

And some crooks are HAPPY with the role of 'muscle'. Take Marvel's Taskmaster, he's a thug for hire, and although he has considerable abilities and skills, he's both happy with his line of work, and knows his own limitations.

Re: Card Shark: Dark Champions

I think so; the Card Shark organization seems to be a key player in Hudson City and a favorite of Our Line Developer. However, I don't remember if the IP deal with Cryptic included Dark Champions/Hudson City or not.

 

Also, query to mods: move to Dark Champions board, I think?

Actually, the first Expansion of the MMO is called Dark Champions.

Re: Comic Book (genre) Conventions that don't work in Champions

Most of the 'problems' I see are GM related. Especially with the dealing with NPC/PC fighting and stuff.

But the only two real game related problems I have encountered in my brief foray as a HERO GM have been the one Shot KOs, and the X-Men vs. Magneto problem.

They, by the book, don't happen very well. Usually, in the games I played and ran if you took enough damage to knock you out in one blow, it usually meant you were near death, or dead. And SPD boosting the villains were kind of expensive point wise. The Trigger on being attacked, NOW that is a good call. I like it.

The other one I have is the 'Gun Threat'. Some of the guns are too damaging against beginning heroes who should be tougher than they are. But if you make them too tough, they don't get much chance to make other powersets.

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine

Gotta spread more rep to give you one for this....

Got him for ya!

Oooh! He's a mean one! Ace work, Nagisawa Takumi. I repped you for it, BTW.

PS: Would it be Takumi-san or Nagisawa-san?

Either works for me.

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine

One question:

 

Is it okay to post them here (with all regard to the thread's title)? I've been doing lots of pics in Hero Factory and HM3 lately and would like to share them.

Go ahead, man. I honestly don't like the new Non-DC art style, so I'm using Hero Machine now.

Re: A DC Animated-style HeroMachine

I got an original character!

The Brutal Crush Skull! Well, from me City of Villains characters anyway.

Crush Skull (His 'real' name, as he and his little brother group in the streets with no parents) is a mutant from Cap Au Diable, growing with his young sibling known as Kwake. While he has the generic super strength and toughness, his little brother has the ability to encase himself in stone and draw his power from the earth, mimicking his big brother.

Like all self-named kids in the Rogue Isle, they took every chance to get ahead, mostly thug work. They were well known in a few short years having developed a 'Mercenaries Code' which meant they would follow their contracts as best they could. Sadly, on the last job they got set up by an unknown party, and were sent to the Zig, the Super Max prison in Paragon City.

Kwake got a chance to go straight by being allowed to be a hero, and which he's currently being monitored by the authorities. Crush had the same opportunity presented, but he chose to stay and wait until a chance popped up. It did, a prison breakout, which he used to escape back into the Rogue Isle, now he takes jobs once again for anyone who can pay, all the while seeking clues to who set him and his brother up and then get a little payback...

This was done via the new http://www.heromachine.com/heromachine-3-lab/

Re: Mercenary Supervillains

Then' date=' 30 years later, still working for the 2nd rate mastermind, you wonder where you went wrong...[/quote']

 

Wouldn't be surprised about this one happening. But still, not all of them would end up like this. Just most.