Help a super-hero newbie

[Moe Ronalds]

Okay, I want to start a modern (just modern, possibly futuristic but as modern as any other comic) super-hero themed game, but I don't know which of the games is best. I can afford (and am willing) to spend around 20 bucks, and maybe a little bit more than that though not much. I decided that since you all know more about non D&D d20 games than I do, I figured this would be the best place to ask for help. Thanks in advance!

 

[wallshot]

DnW is 318 pages...includes superpowers (which i guess another super-hero book is lacking), only costs $10, and is great if it is a super hero only campagin (it might be difficult to factor into a more traditional Fantasy setting, but since U said modern, its not that big a deal).

If U look around at some of the other threads on this site, U will see a few that give stats for Marvel's X-men (or a few at least) as well as a few other heros (like the batman i did), all using DnW.

i havent looked at the other SH books out there, so this is really one sided, but since i have DnW, i havent felt like i need to look at another SH book.

just my .02

 

[Kenson]

Mutants & Masterminds from Green Ronin Publishing will be out in October. It'll be a 192-page full-color, hardcover rulebook with everything you need for a superhero campaign for about $32. You can check out some previews at the Green Ronin website (including the GenCon flier, which lets you get a feel for how the game plays).

-----
Steve Kenson
author, Mutants & Masterminds Superhero Roleplaying Game
Coming in October from Green Ronin Publishing!
www.greenronin.com

 

[Blacksad]

under $20

under $20, if you don't buy an used book, you can only have a pdf

If you want something balanced with D&D, and probably d20 modern (you'll get a free updates when it comes out), i.e. if you have a hero with a character level 15, you know that level 16 warrior or CR 15 monster are a good match for him you have Four Color to Fantasy:

$6.95

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=235&PHPSESSID=8809f845103e6c00f444dd000c343a0a

It isn't exhaustive on powers, but a second book should come sometimes around october that will expand those already included in the book, and you have guidelines in it to creates new one (a system that give the cost of a power based on the level of a spell that would have a similar effect).

So if you are interested in a small book (under 100 pages) that you can easily handle this one is good.

With a similar size, you have another aproach, Vigilance's classes are balanced against each other, so you'll probably use NPC as adversary with this one.

$5

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=146&PHPSESSID=8809f845103e6c00f444dd000c343a0a

Now if you want an exhaustive book, you have Deeds not Words at 318 pages, like Vigilance the classes are balanced against each other, so if you want to use other source, you'll have to eyeball challenge, and your character won't probably use material from other sources. (it doesn't prevent the NPC from using them, but I think you'll have some problem if you include a sorcerer in the party).

$10

http://www.allforart.com/cryptosnarkgames/d20/deeds.html

 

[quindia]

Paragon is a very good free PDF available here:

http://www.rpghoard.com/cgi-bin/arcdb.cgi?cat=15&sec=9

There is a 90+ page ruleset, a preview setting, and a MSH conversion guide.

 

[Horacio]

My current favorite is "Four Color To Fantasy" because you can drop it over any other d20 game and it remains fairly balanced. You can add supers to a traditional sword and sorcery campaign (a sub-race of goblins that shoots energy blast from their eyes, or the deadly flying elves), a spycraft game (Dark Angel anyone?), a dragonstar game, etc.

I have begun a 4CTF campaign three weeks ago. If you want to see how does it work, go to my story hour (G.A.R.S., link at my signature). There you will find the complete stats for the characters and the tale of their first adventure. If you go there, please, drop a comment