Giants in the Earth style thread - nominations for subjects

[Glyfair]

By the way, why is there going to be a vote? Why don't people just post their own takes on what those characters would be like under d20/OGL rules?

Well, if it becomes a popular topic it could well create a zillion threads on the subject at one time. I'd rather have this be a recurring theme than have it be a flash in the pan that wears out its welcome because of overuse.

Besides, I wanted mine to be D&D oriented, while there are a number of people encouraging d20 Modern and sci-fi characters. No reason there couldn't be parallel threads.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Now, Paul Bunyan, he's an epic-level Commoner 24, permanently stuck at about Gargantuan size (so his Strength is about 34 from a base of 10). No fighting ability that a load of Commoner levels and that Strength score wouldn't give him anyway!

Interestingly enough, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are statted up in the really, really cool Northern Crown d20 setting. I think Johnny Appleseed is also statted in there.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Well, if it becomes a popular topic it could well create a zillion threads on the subject at one time. I'd rather have this be a recurring theme than have it be a flash in the pan that wears out its welcome because of overuse.

Besides, I wanted mine to be D&D oriented, while there are a number of people encouraging d20 Modern and sci-fi characters. No reason there couldn't be parallel threads.

Perhaps there could be a sub-forum or series of stickied threads for each particular "pantheon" of heroes/characters, in which contributions would be welcome. That is, maybe have a thread for the characters of each of the old Deities & Demigods sections - Greek, Finnish, etc. Or, perhaps there could simply be a dedicated "Giants in the Earth" thread in which people contribute their takes on their favorite characters. Remove all non-character-stat posts into a discussion thread as it goes along.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I's like to see Karl Edward Wagner's immortal, evil swordsman...Kane.

I think the Kane books (particualrly the full-length version of Darkness Weaves) to be unrecognized masterpieces of the genre.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I's like to see Karl Edward Wagner's immortal, evil swordsman...Kane.

I think the Kane books (particualrly the full-length version of Darkness Weaves) to be unrecognized masterpieces of the genre.

I tried readin' 'em back years ago. I kinda lost interest after the first book of short stories I read, but I think I need to go back and see if maybe another try would do the trick. I know I really dig the main premise.

 

[Glyfair]

I's like to see Karl Edward Wagner's immortal, evil swordsman...Kane.

I think the Kane books (particualrly the full-length version of Darkness Weaves) to be unrecognized masterpieces of the genre.

I got into Kane specifically because of the original GiTE appearance (in fact, I think it might have been the very first of the column).

I have really been trying to get the hard to find story collectiuons (which include the modern and futuristic? appearances), but it's very hard to get a hold of.

 

[schporto]

Speaking of swordsmen...
You could do a fun series on Mifune's characters.
-cpd

 

[Teflon Billy]

I tried readin' 'em back years ago. I kinda lost interest after the first book of short stories I read, but I think I need to go back and see if maybe another try would do the trick. I know I really dig the main premise.

The short story collection is not great.

Take alook at Dark Crusade or, as mentioned, Darkness Weaves

Both are great.

 

[freyar]

For you folks doing Einstein, I'd say epic-level expert. As a theoretical physicist, I can say that there are few scientists in the last century who've been as inventive and none who've had the same kind of individual importance and impact. Anything less than 20th level seems, well, a major understatement, IMO. Or else you just really don't like high level NPCs.

Whizbang, what is it you don't like about the new Earthsea books? Tehanu is a little introspective, but it has grown on me, and I enjoy Tales from Earthsea and The Other Wind a lot. Tales has a new Sparrowhawk story I like particularly.

 

[Celebrim]

For you folks doing Einstein, I'd say epic-level expert. As a theoretical physicist, I can say that there are few scientists in the last century who've been as inventive and none who've had the same kind of individual importance and impact. Anything less than 20th level seems, well, a major understatement, IMO. Or else you just really don't like high level NPCs.

Or else, you seriously underestimate the power level of fantasy heroes.

I have no problem with high level NPC's. Certain figures legitimately qualify as 20th level or even higher ability. But, by the time you hit 20th level, you are dealing with abilities that no person actually has. The only twentieth level characters are those in stories. Twenthieth level experts (and the resulting skill levels) are the stuff of comic book mad scientists and instantaneous gadgeteers, not real physicists - even Einstein or Newton. If anything, I think I overestimated Eienstein's level. I've seen convincing write ups of Einstein as 5th level. The only reason my write up choose 8th level, is that I wanted the 20 INT, but I think its more reasonable to suggest that he was closer to 5th level and had an INT above the normal human range of ability.