Prestige

Re: Genre-crossover nightmares

Captain America: The First Thing

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

Sadly, tonight's best game quote stands alone and is out of character.

 

I hear a weird creak and I look at my hostess. "Did I just break the chair?"

 

Hostess: No, it's been a little creaky for a while. There's no way you're going to break that chair.

 

At that PRECISE moment, the chair snaps under my weight, sending me to the floor in a heap of chair parts. Keep in mind, for those who know me, I'm NOT a big guy, nor am I particularly heavy.

 

Me: !@#$@!!!. Perfect timing.

I feel as a whitness to this event I should confirm the above is exactly how it happened. In case anybody doubts it. Though I guess some of you will continue to doubt it.

It is probably the funniest thing I have even seen. I wish I had it on tape I would win the show about funny home videos(if it was still on)

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

If the answer to both is no' date=' what is left except "Special Dietary Requirements" (that can be overcome)?[/quote']

 

There are some vampire myths in example in literature where vampire do need to feed off human blood...and take it from a living host. The fear and the life force is what they feed off...the blood is almost inconsequentials...so raiding blood banks or feeding of animals don't feed them.

 

So how is that overcome? A sharp defination of vampires are evil. Does not bother me. Sure I like world where they can be the good guys....but worlds where they can't can be just as interesting.

 

Also as a sidenote I think Balabento bans vampires in his game for the same reasom some GMs ban drow from their games. Just tired seeing the same dual weilding drow named Drizzt in his games...though I can't say as I only been playing in his games for about 10 years...and there was alot of players involved in his games over the years.

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

Emphasis added - in your game world, vampires are all vile, evil beings. That doesn't mean other game worlds that treat vampires in a different manner are invalid, any more than yours is invalid.

 

The same applies to clones. If, in your game world, all clones are programmable automatons, then that is what they are in your game world. But that's not the case, from reading the posts from your player. Now, would you disallow a Vampire PC? You clearly have not disallowed a Clone PC.

I agree with the first paragraph whole heartly...

The second as his player I say Vampires are inherently evil in his world. They are no Angels...or Spikes...it ispossible to get vampire like powers in his world(though magical ritural dumbly interrupted by a very young moster hunter...or even though Science!)...yes I play that character too...but playing a real vampire is out.

Though clone in in his universe are not inherently evil.

Demons are a trickier subject...but as Aliens there are treated as immigrants...and there are demons who have been redeemed(one of my character has one as a DNPC)

But all that is besides the point...just agree to disagree guys...really what is the point here?

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

@Hugh Neilson: I'll respond in order to the points you made.

1)In all your example of clone vs other genticaly alter supers...you are missing the point...maybe willduly. All of them are alters are ALTERATIONS...mostly randomly. A Clone is engineered to be exactly what you want. That seems to me to allow you greater control...than even a Captain America type super soldier alteration as you dealing with somebody who already as the effect of nutrining over genetics.

2) Missing the point again...I have to say probably willfully...you compared clone to twins...completely wrong. It is like saying in a super hero world that a natural earth quake and a man made one are one in the same. Sure a twin is 'forced' on people...just as that earthquake is 'forced ' on somebody. To me(and most importantly the leagle system) there is a major difference between nature and man made things. I guess you never had to deal with the Act of god clause in a insurence policy.

3) My character is not the exception to free willed clones. But since cloning in Balabentos game is illeagle mostly villians do it...and they don't really have high ideals to start with...my character was a accident( in that they left to much free will in...or made her too intelligent and she resisted the brainwashing/programing attempt). They are also people in Balabento's world who will using clone technology in dire emergencies for good reason...but it is still illeagle.

4) Where does Balabento say clones are killed on sight? Well he might have said that...but he did not mean it as a clone can prove his sentinence...which would be hard to do if they were deemed with a KOS order...also in his universe you can't tell a clone by looking at it...you have to do genetic testing...so it is hard for the whole KOS order to be effective.

I agree he should not have used the word rape...as it has more personal implication to people. Though I would like to point out that rape can be defines as the plundering or sacking of a city...or any gross violation, assault, or abuse(which the context he was using I believe).

Also I agree Babalento's sweeping message and and inability to use word likew 'In my campaign world...' or 'Well this what I do...' is very annoying as his habit as a poster...but I really think this issue needs to one of those agree to disagree issues.

3)

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

A clone in my opinion...does not have to be a perfect copy by defination. Where does it say that? You can definitly geneticaly tweak it( heck other posters have said that it is a way to remove genetic diseases...is that still a clone?) So how is it a perfect copy?

Which means you geneticaly tweak for super powers...say taking out the sentince gene if you will...it is still a perfect 'copy in all other ways.

Also the thing about twins vs cloning...well not all identicle twins are DNA exactly alike(mostly...99.9%). And as the grow older...different genetic marker activate...that is why the two identicle twin I knew look slightly different and had completely different personailties. Also it would be a act of nature...cloning is not a act of Nature. That is what I meant by twins not being forced on anybody.

Also I have to say yes a clone is definitly more vulnerable to brainwashing than any othert type of heroes. As being grown in a lab means the cloner has perfect control over the enviroment. And added to that for those clones that are grown rapidly...all those skills are usualy downloaded directly to their brain...as can other things...heck their personality...can be downloaded as well. With a allready grown super hero of any other type I would say it would be harder to do(even for those of weak will).

As I said before I don't disagree with verything Balabento...heck we get into arguement sometimes...but I admit I do have the advantage of being in his game...and being able to affect change from the inside. But this back and forth does not fix anything...just agree to disagree at a certain point is the only rational thing to do...

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

If a clone isn't capable of free will' date=' I don't know that I'd refer to it as a "clone", since clone implies an exact copy of a human being(including brain/free will). If what you have instead are physical replicas which are mentally "pre-programmed"(and essentially unable to overcome this programming), then a different term, like, e.g., "replicant", is probably better, in order to make the distinction clearer. If a clone has free will and the ability to make moral choices, then I have a really hard time seeing an argument for denying them civil rights. If they don't, then essentially what you have is an organic android/biological robot(of the non-sentient variety), and you're on somewhat more solid turf in arguing they shouldn't have civil rights.[/quote']

 

Actualy I have the term clones used in many contexts. From the perfect DNA copy to just cloned organs. Maybe that is the issue here. Babentos game a clone can mean more things than just one thing.

 

As I said I play a clone in his game. The character would be what you consider a clone...but how can the goverment just know I am a free willed clone? The character would be dangerous if the villians that made her can use a signal and turn her into a neo-nazi. Heck the characters have fears that this can happen...she knows she is a clone. One day this will get out...and people will have to make a morale choice. IE it is called RPing.

 

So Balabentos game has more morale grey areas...and questions. OMG we should hang him up high and beat him with sticks for actualy have depth in his games and grey areas.

 

Sure you guys are right...logicaly this would not happen...but I have never known the human race to have being accused by a overabundence of logic.

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

How is a clone legally different from a twin?

For one thing a twin was not forced on to somebody. If you take somebody's DNA and made clones with it without consent...that is that not a crime? Sure if the clone is sentinent being and not just a copy of the orginal...it can prove this and have full rights...but that is not always the case with evil clone plots 101.

Now again in Balabento's game a clone can prove his/her personhood if you will...but they are required to do so by the law. Just like in his world...mutant sentinet animals....aliens...AIs robots etc...because it is easy to make a clone appear sentinent...but actualy not be.

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

Since you quoted my post' date=' I wasn't sure if you were directing the above at me or to others. If you were talking to me, then your last sentence above is pretty much what I meant by "different strokes for different folks." (And if your post wasn't directed at me, please disregard this post. No harm, no foul.)[/quote']

 

No it was not directed at you...your post just made a point that I wanted to build on and gave me a lead in.

Re: The Morality of Sending In The Clones!

In fairness to Balabanto, those of us who do not play in his games have only seen snippets and snapshots of goings-on in his game world, and I hesitate to pass judgement based on incomplete information. Having read posts in these forums from some of his players, and having talked to one such player many years ago at GenCon, it seems that his games are enjoyable to the players. (Though I have to disagree with Balabanto about a high COM being equivalent to Mind Control.) So I figure, different strokes for different folks.

 

That said, in my game world (no more or less valid than anybody else's), PRIMUS has access to machines that, if used on a target of mental powers soon enough afterward, can detect and record traces and signatures of said powers. I based this on the optional Mental Signatures and Mental Traces section from The Ultimate Mentalist, pp 264-265. This isn't foolproof, but then again what is? But such evidence can be used to support a possible legal defense when mind controlled. Additionally, IANAL, but even without such evidence it seems to me that there must be legal defenses in the real world for acting under duress. Surely you can't be more "under duress" than being mind controlled.

 

("Yes, you can, and stop calling me Shirley.")

 

As to every lawyer under the sun claiming their clients were all mind controlled to commit crimes -- in the real world, criminals claim things like "the cops planted those drugs / that weapon / that evidence on me" all the time. (In a world with superheroes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear similar claims against them.) That's why we have juries, to gauge the veracity of such claims. I don't imagine every jury in every courtroom would roll over and believe every such claim, but maybe in Balabanto's world they do. (shrug)

Being on of Balabanto's players(not the one you met at Gencon)...I think you people greatly overreacting to this. Just relax and accept people play differently than you.

Second...if you are MC to do something...in Balabanto's gameworld you just use the Temp. Insanity defense. It already exists as a leagle precedent...why make thing soo complex?

As to the Clones thing...playing a clone in Balabanto's game world...it make sense they draw alot of heat(is it fair...no...but life is not fair.) And the character is fun for having that dark secret.

And lastly I don't agree with Balabanto on everything...there are a number of things we go back and forth on(usualy in a friendly manner)...but all of them (like this issue) is so nitpickly unimportant to the amount of fun I have in his games I ignore them. No one is perfect here...I am sure you all have players that hate some of things you do..

Re: Counter-stereotyping

Rainbow Happy type powers: One of two...1) The Big Jock guy....or 2) Goth Chick/guy

Re: Character Apearence

I would go with one of two ways.

1) Completely featureless. It is sometimes a standard for this type of character but it works.

2) The other way is to make him look normal...a 40 year old man slightly balding....beer gut...just your typical average Joe. Who till his wife was killed was trying to live a normal life....not wanting to be a super powered spy...or criminal...just wanted a normal life with the woman he loves.

Re: Quote of the Week From My Life.

Oh' date=' please. Even Jesus wouldn't be so stupidly self-sacrificing as to try and run a FLGS in this economy.[/quote']

 

Hence the joke...sigh...nobody understands sarcasm anymore...

Re: Quote of the Week From My Life.

Some background. I and my friend(who owns a gaming store) were hanging out in after he closed for the night with some other people. He was going on how he brought the store from the previous owners to give back to the community of gamers in the area...how he was not making money...insert more self-sacrficing comments...so I finally said.

"Hey, Scott your hands are bleeding."

Re: The Adventures of Ultragirl

I love this story...

Re: A Thread for Random Videos

Here one for people who think hunting is safe...or maybe just hate hunters...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/159381/deer_attack/

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

From a Pathfinder game we are doing Savage Tide.(Also like the Dark Hersey game probably going to be a great souce of quotes) Eventualy I'll put up a Hero system qute...it is just I usualy leave that up to the GM of that game...I do play Hero system honest. Anyway

Cast:

Aleshia: Witch...crazy...has a fox familiar.(my character)

Celaer Darkmane: Elven Archer

Kassoth: Monk

Scene: we are sneaking aboard a ship out in the harbor to find out something. We attempted to climb aboard and sneak on...but no plan survive contact. The monk climbs aboard easily enough...then I fail my check and fall into the water alerting the guards.

Celaer:OOG: I help her(Aleshia) back on boad the row boat. And attempt to help her climb.

*dice are rolled...I roll like crap again...*

GM:Aleshia falls back into Celaer's arms.

Celaer: Maybe you should wait here. I have to go up and help the monk and I won't be here to save you if you fall into the water again.

*dice are rolled again...he fails and falls into the water...mind you he is wearing heavy armor*

Aleshia:OOG...I help him back on board

Aleshia: Maybe you should wait here. I have to go up and help the monk and I won't be here to save you if you fall into the water again.

*after serveral more rounds of very bad dice rolling and Aleshia saving Calaer again...she can swim pretty well...and he is in metal armor*

Kassoth:OOG Guys...I need some help here...I am running out of mooks to kill eventualy the leader types will be coming out.

After the session

Aleshia:I am definitly taking the Flight Hex next level.(which makes the witch lighter...think about the old test in medival times if a person floats there are a witch...if not they are not a witch...so it give a +4 to swimming...and feather fall at will)

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

@boloOfearth: More great stuff I would give you more Rep but I have to spread it around.

@Eygptiod: I followed your logic though out it and it is exactly what I would do in a similiar case. But then again I know the setting. I would give you rep also...but I need to spread it about more before I can give you some.

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

Ok this is one from the DH game I play in. mentioned it a few times before...anyway I was GMing a one shot idea I had. Pretty the PCs went to investigate a planet that was recently rediscovered and had sunked back to black powder tech. They were sent prett much because there was evidence of Chaos on the planet.( Actualy it was a Scooby Doo plot with assassins from a rival Inquisitor using it to ambush the team)

Anyway the party split up to look for clues...two went in covertly(as hunters as the 'chaos' creature could have been a wild animal...two went in overtly.

The two covert guys went into a bar...

Cast : Quinn...that psychotic assassin...no social skills

Pangarosos(sp?): A Meticallien Gun City Scum...really good w/ pistols....lots of social skills...

Quinn:OOG: my character walks up to the oldest looking miner in the bar and slap down 7 throwns on the table and stares at him.

Old Miner: You want that bar across town...we don't do that kinda of thing here, son.

Pangarosos: Sigh...(thought bubble): Why I am always stuck on covert missions with people who don't know the meaning of covert...

Re: 2011 Early Balabanto Preview Thread

Having played though one...I have to say King of the Mountain is I like...and I usualy dispies all things Elvis...so that does say something about it.

I did not get to play test Imaginary Friends...but I have heard alot about it...and I have to say it is probably one of best ideas I have heard...and I am dying to get it just read it.

Re: Pretty Hate Machines

Cool! Glad to see more 6th ed supplements being produced . Have to pass for now as my players are *anything* but experienced ;-).

Well it does have other things like maps...a table of objects with thier defenses...and stats for a bunch of supervillians that you can use in a not advanced scenarios that your non Hero system savy players can handle. In other words there is alot of things you can salvage from it.

Besides one day you players may get the experience enough for the adventures.

Re: Original Characters

Where is the background on Cassandra Harbinger?

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

Being German ....I knew that.

(But thanks anyway.)

I did not mean to be insulting....it was the connection was obvious to me...but then again since it is my character it would be. Also frustatingly enough I run accross alot people who don't know anything about history...I just generaly assume a lack of knowledge on other people parts I do sometimes get a little lecturely.

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

Funnily enough' date=' I'm sort of related to the Red Baron (Manfred von Richtofen, to use his proper name). Very indirectly, via marriage.[/quote']

 

That is very cool. I could not remember his actual name. I don't know if he had any children...but I do know his brother did...I read a couple of books on him years ago as research for this character...but memory has gone a little dim on the subject.

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

Baron is just a title.

So it is like she calls herself the red Duchess.

During War World 1 the German had a flying Ace nicknamed The Red Baron. Hence the super hero name Red Baroness. If you are a Peanuts fan...that was who Snoopy was hunting during the Halloween special...This personm existed...googgle him.

Yes the character is German...yes she is related to the Red Baron and took her super hero ID after her ancestor(well it is a little bit more complicated than it...but it is a comic book super heroes...it is always more complicated that that).