It sounds interesting, but when "something happens," are you just going to give the PCs a boost of free points or are you going to insist on some disads?
Best system for a modern/super thriller?
- Thread starter InVinoVeritas
- Start date
Andor
First Post
I've played in some games like that, and handing out disads isn't needed at the time. The watched and hunted disads will follow soon enough. Probably some rivals and nemesisisiieie too.
Sounds like an awesome game. Good luck. ^^
InVinoVeritas
Adventurer
Yah, it's not necessary to take disads if the player doesn't want to...
Here's an example character. He will be an NPC for the game. I built him from a Competent Normal.
Clinton Newmark is the eccentric yet brilliant CEO of Peach Technologies, a big mobile technology and research software firm. His popular devices have made their way into the pockets of people worldwide, and everyone knows their slogan, Life's a Peach. He is well known for his secretive nature, and people have accused him and his firm of various nefarious search-based activities, even though none are apparent. Mr. Newmark, of course, does not confirm or deny any rumors, and is constantly defending against governments, hackers, and the like, trying to learn whatever he's up to, whether it's to uncover some dark scheme, or just to learn about the next generation of awesome product. It is rumored that he has a giant database that stores information from all around the web.
Earlier this week, Mr. Newmark awoke with a start. His mind filled with names, places, distances... and associated powers. The cacophony was so great, he stumbled about, no longer able to process what was in front of him. Assuming it to be some form of hysterical blindness brought on from the stress of his job, his doctors rushed him through MRI, and noted that his pineal gland was producing a large amount of sympathetic activity on its own. The hysterical blindness was brought under control with exceptionally high doses of melatonin, and a preparation of pineal tissue allowed him to regain control of his senses. That is when he realized the he now knew that some other people (he estimates the rate at 1 person per 100,000) are experiencing a sudden change in their physiology, resulting in new powers. He realized he knew where they are, and what powers they had.
He knows that people are going to be searching for these people. Companies, governments, organizations, religions... the future will depend on the actions of these people. And he aims to hold the monopoly on their services, given first mover advantage.
He has had to accept a drug pump that constantly pours pineal tissue preparation into his system, but he considers this a small price compared to his advantage.
Clinton Newmark
STR 10, DEX 10, CON 10, BODY 10, INT 20, EGO 18, PRE 20, COM 16: 39 pts.
PD 2, ED 2, SPD 2, REC 4, END 20, STUN 20, Run 6", Swim 2": 0 pts.
Skills:
Bureaucratics 13-, Computer Programming 13-, Oratory 14-, High Society 13-, Trading 13-, Persuasion 14-, Conversation 14-. Language (English) 4, Language (Mandarin) 4. (Numbers reflect Modern Everyman skills and Skill Level in Conversation, Oratory, Persuasion.) 25 pts.
Perks:
Well-Connected, 4 Favors, 5 Contacts 11-, Filthy Rich. 25 pts.
Talents:
Speed Reading, Cramming, Lightning Calculator. 11 pts.
Powers:
Enhanced Sense: Detect Powered individuals, +4 PER, Ranged, Discriminatory, Telescopic +18. 50pts.
Disadvantages:
Age (45). -5 pts.
Public Identity. -10 pts.
Hunted (Multiple sources want his secrets) 11-. -20 pts.
Psychological Limitation (Secretive to eccentricity, Common, Strong). -15 pts.
Dependence (Pineal tissue, 2d6 Flash attack on sight each Turn, uncommon substance) -25 pts.
Thoughts?
Here's an example character. He will be an NPC for the game. I built him from a Competent Normal.
Clinton Newmark is the eccentric yet brilliant CEO of Peach Technologies, a big mobile technology and research software firm. His popular devices have made their way into the pockets of people worldwide, and everyone knows their slogan, Life's a Peach. He is well known for his secretive nature, and people have accused him and his firm of various nefarious search-based activities, even though none are apparent. Mr. Newmark, of course, does not confirm or deny any rumors, and is constantly defending against governments, hackers, and the like, trying to learn whatever he's up to, whether it's to uncover some dark scheme, or just to learn about the next generation of awesome product. It is rumored that he has a giant database that stores information from all around the web.
Earlier this week, Mr. Newmark awoke with a start. His mind filled with names, places, distances... and associated powers. The cacophony was so great, he stumbled about, no longer able to process what was in front of him. Assuming it to be some form of hysterical blindness brought on from the stress of his job, his doctors rushed him through MRI, and noted that his pineal gland was producing a large amount of sympathetic activity on its own. The hysterical blindness was brought under control with exceptionally high doses of melatonin, and a preparation of pineal tissue allowed him to regain control of his senses. That is when he realized the he now knew that some other people (he estimates the rate at 1 person per 100,000) are experiencing a sudden change in their physiology, resulting in new powers. He realized he knew where they are, and what powers they had.
He knows that people are going to be searching for these people. Companies, governments, organizations, religions... the future will depend on the actions of these people. And he aims to hold the monopoly on their services, given first mover advantage.
He has had to accept a drug pump that constantly pours pineal tissue preparation into his system, but he considers this a small price compared to his advantage.
Clinton Newmark
STR 10, DEX 10, CON 10, BODY 10, INT 20, EGO 18, PRE 20, COM 16: 39 pts.
PD 2, ED 2, SPD 2, REC 4, END 20, STUN 20, Run 6", Swim 2": 0 pts.
Skills:
Bureaucratics 13-, Computer Programming 13-, Oratory 14-, High Society 13-, Trading 13-, Persuasion 14-, Conversation 14-. Language (English) 4, Language (Mandarin) 4. (Numbers reflect Modern Everyman skills and Skill Level in Conversation, Oratory, Persuasion.) 25 pts.
Perks:
Well-Connected, 4 Favors, 5 Contacts 11-, Filthy Rich. 25 pts.
Talents:
Speed Reading, Cramming, Lightning Calculator. 11 pts.
Powers:
Enhanced Sense: Detect Powered individuals, +4 PER, Ranged, Discriminatory, Telescopic +18. 50pts.
Disadvantages:
Age (45). -5 pts.
Public Identity. -10 pts.
Hunted (Multiple sources want his secrets) 11-. -20 pts.
Psychological Limitation (Secretive to eccentricity, Common, Strong). -15 pts.
Dependence (Pineal tissue, 2d6 Flash attack on sight each Turn, uncommon substance) -25 pts.
Thoughts?
While HERO is one of the quintessential "All you need is one book" RPGs, for a campaign like the one you describe, I'd recommend that you have Ultimate Martial Artist & Dark HERO on hand- with a low-level campaign, you're going to see more emphasis on martial arts & gear than powers, at least initially- and see if you can track down the supplements for magic or psi.
Fantasy HERO might come in handy as well.
Fantasy HERO might come in handy as well.
Thanee
First Post
Was, actually.
6th Edition will go the two Core book route, like GURPS did.Bye
Thanee
So I've heard, but until it hits shelves...
Thanee
First Post
InVinoVeritas
Adventurer
Yeah, it still hasn't "hit the shelves" as far as I can tell.
InVinoVeritas
Adventurer
What do they have that the core book does not? Can't gear be approximated through powers/skills/etc?
Actually, that's essentially how you build equipment.
The books, however, will give you a broad variety of equipment already statted out (powers chosen, disads/mods applied, math done), saving you a lot of work. And it will all be standardized- that way, except for unique add-ons (like someone's flame aura or anti-evil aura), everyone's 2 handed sword will be the same. Everyone's .50 cal Desert Eagle will be the same. Everyone's bulletproof vest will be the same.
Overall, what UMA (and to a lesser extent, Ninja HERO) has that the base book doesn't is a MUCH larger list of martial arts maneuvers, new ways of using some of the stuff in the base book, a large section of martial arts styles actually assembled with maneuvers and associated skills, and a bunch of new martial arts weapons, also statted out.
In addition, it has a section on translating the info in that book into other systems...handy if you play any of those systems. Also handy if you can grasp your concept better in one of those systems and wish to retro-engineer your concept.
Dark Champions also gives you more equipment and gadgets, as well as some different takes on certain rules to represent a grittier game.
Fantasy HERO does likewise, but its main use will be having ready-made monsters, spells and racial package deals.
None are necessary- though I rarely play a heroic-level game without UMA- but they are handy in that they do a lot of work for you.
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