Digest Archives Vol 1 Issue 187

From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org 
Sent: Friday, February 05, 1999 2:42 PM 
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org 
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #187 
 
 
champ-l-digest        Friday, February 5 1999        Volume 01 : Number 187 
 
 
 
In this issue: 
 
    Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    Help!!!! 
    Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
    blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: Desolidification 
    Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
    Re: [Re: Limitations on Multipowers] 
    Re: Upcoming campaign books 
    RE: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    RE: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: blocking the heavy hits 
    Proposal for new sourcebook 
    Re: [Re: Limitations on Multipowers] 
    Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    Re: Unity in Nerd Culture [was GenCon 99] ] 
    Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    Re: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
    Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
    Re: Desolidification 
    RE: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: New Martial arts package 
    RE: blocking the heavy hits 
    Re: Proposal for new sourcebook 
    Re: blocking the heavy hits 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 06:16:31 -0500 
From: David_A._Fair@fc.mcps.k12.md.us (David A. Fair) 
Subject: Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
miles.kim.gary@mcleodusa.net writes: 
>Wrong answer, but thanks for playing. BBB page 203 has 1 stick of 
>dynamite 
>as 5D6 EX, 2 sticks as 7D6 EX, and 4 sticks as 9D6 EX. The reason most 
>of 
>the explosions on page 203 are modelled as Normal Explosions rather than 
>Killing is that with most explosives, the main damage is from 
>concussion. 
>The only types of explosions where this isn't so is ones which have a 
>fragmentation effect, such as a frag grenade, a mortar round, etc. 
 
You are absolutely right. I haven't used classic dynamite (in my games) 
in so long that I had forgotten it was modeled as regular damage. I 
understand the modeling you describe, but can't say I am enthusiastic 
in my support of it... 
 
Thanks, 
Dave 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 06:00:35 -0800 
From: "Raven" <raven@neteze.com> 
Subject: Help!!!! 
 
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. 
 
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Hello all. 
 
I have had CW for awhile now, and it works great for all my Champ's = 
stuff. But now I would like to use it for another game system mainly = 
Earthdawn. Has anyone added a new game system to CW, and hint's = 
suggestions or even a FAQ, would be great.=20 
 
Thanks 
 
 
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<HTML> 
<HEAD> 
 
<META content=3Dtext/html;charset=3Diso-8859-1 = 
http-equiv=3DContent-Type> 
<META content=3D'"MSHTML 4.72.3612.1700"' name=3DGENERATOR> 
</HEAD> 
<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff> 
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Hello all.</FONT></DIV> 
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> 
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>I have had CW for awhile now, and it works great for = 
all my=20 
Champ's stuff. But now I would like to use it for another game system = 
mainly=20 
Earthdawn. Has anyone added a new game system to CW, and hint's = 
suggestions or=20 
even a FAQ, would be great. </FONT></DIV> 
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> 
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Thanks</FONT></DIV> 
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></BODY></HTML> 
 
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------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 07:58:30 -0600 (CST) 
From: "Dr. Nuncheon" <jeffj@io.com> 
Subject: Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
 
On 4 Feb 1999, ANTHONY VARGAS wrote: 
 
> A Multipower with 2xEND on one slot, Act 14- on another, 8chgs on a third, 
> and OIF on the last, has a 1/2 limitation on each slot, but the Reserve 
> gets no bonus.  Why?  Because they're /different/ limitations. 
 
As I've mentioned before, some GMs allow the players to stick a 'Variable 
Limitation' on the MP reserve, figuring that because each slot has X 
amount of limitations, the entire MP is worth fewer points.  You'd have to 
watch out because it is possible to abuse it, so consider the idea a 
'Magnifying Glass'. 
 
What I'm curious to hear about from Rat is how one would get a Multipower 
with X powers, that can be used 4 times.  Not each power 4 times...but the 
Multipower used 4 times, with any combination of slots desired. 1234, 
1111, 1332, whatever.  Seems like that's impossible under his 
interpretation of the rules.  (OK, I guess you could say 'Limited Power: 
entire multipower can only be used 4 times' but what is that worth?  -1? 
Not hardly.  -2?) 
 
Here's another puzzler: 
 
50 pt Multipower, 4 charges (-1)    25 points 
Ultra Power A (4 charges)           2 points 
Ultra Power B (4 charges)           2 points 
 
So right there you've basically got, for 29 points, 8 50 AP attacks. 
Each time you add a 2 point slot, you get 4 more charges.  It'd be trivial 
to abuse this horribly. 
 
I can't see that the Multipower above is being limited enough to have a -1 
put on it...a limitation that does not limit is not worth points, right?   
So what is the limitation on the MP reserve?  What limits does it have 
when you put '4 charges' on it? 
 
J 
 
Hostes aliengeni me abduxerent.              Jeff Johnston - jeffj@io.com 
Qui annus est?                                   http://www.io.com/~jeffj 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 09:32:19 -0500  
From: Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> 
Subject: blocking the heavy hits 
 
Hi, 
 
So, given the conversation about bricks vs. martial artists, I have a 
question about blocking. When is a hit too heavy to block? How do you 
decide? 
 
I imagine if foci are involved, you could have the blocking focus take 
damage depending on its DEF and BOD. Fine. How about an unarmed blocker? 
Surely he can't block a hand to hand attack of any scale. 
 
How much of the attack's damage will a focus [a sword for example] take from 
an attack that it blocks? I assume it wouldn't be full damage.  
 
Brian Wawrow 
Financial Models Company 
 
"Do or do not. There is no try."  
- - Yoda  
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 10:22:05 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: blocking the heavy hits 
 
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"BW" == Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> writes: 
 
BW> So, given the conversation about bricks vs. martial artists, I have a 
BW> question about blocking. When is a hit too heavy to block? 
 
Never. 
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PGP Key: at a key server near you!  \  
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 10:22:23 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: Desolidification 
 
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"BI" == Brats Incorporated <brat-inc@avalon.net> writes: 
 
BI> question??? 
BI> When in desol, could a mentalist use his powers to effect people 
BI>  or would  he have to by the +2 advantage, affects real world to do so? 
 
He must buy the +2 advantage. 
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PGP Key: at a key server near you!  \  
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 10:12:22 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
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"MS" == Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com> writes: 
 
MS> Okay, so PCs with psych lims such as "Must stop injustice" or "Code vs 
MS> Killing" are fair game to be splattered if their psych lims state that 
MS> they would try and interfere in the actions of the 70 STR brick? 
 
Having a psychological limitation does not mean you have to be stupid about  
it. 
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PGP Key: at a key server near you!  \  
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 10:21:22 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
 
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"N" == Nuncheon  <jeffj@io.com> writes: 
 
N> What I'm curious to hear about from Rat is how one would get a Multipower 
N> with X powers, that can be used 4 times.  Not each power 4 times...but the 
N> Multipower used 4 times, with any combination of slots desired. 
 
The BBB specifically states that you cannot do this.  A limitation on a 
Multipower limits the slots in the multipower, not the reserve. 
 
Which means that it would require a house rule.  Unfortunately, the only 
one I can think of quickly is so badly broken as not to be funny. 
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------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 10:17:38 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: [Re: Limitations on Multipowers] 
 
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"CT" == Christopher Taylor <ctaylor@viser.net> writes: 
 
CT> In my opinion the problem isnt with THIS rule, but with the incredibly 
CT> teeny defenses that foci get. 
 
Remember, Focus *IS* a limitation. 
 
CT> Especially armor, why would it have less DEF than it provides? 
 
It does not.  A Focus that provides DEF gets that DEF instead of its 
figured DEF.  I know of no powers that would provide less DEF than 
calculated. 
 
CT> AND the 1 BOD rule is absurd, the old system was much better, 
 
This is not the rule.  Foci have *NO* Body; they have powers.  If any Body 
from an attack penetrates the DEF of a Focus, one power is destroyed, 
regardless of how much Body penetrates.  The 1 Body 'rule' is a convenience 
so I can say that, for a Focus with 10 DEF, if I do at least 11 Body I will 
destroy a Power in that Focus. 
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Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ children under 10 should avoid prolonged 
PGP Key: at a key server near you!  \ exposure to Happy Fun Ball. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 10:21:22 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Re: Upcoming campaign books 
 
<<A week or two back, Hero Games listed at least 3 campaign settings for 
Champions that are in the works.  I asked how these would stand out from 
the rest, because I was concerned that this was overkill--we already have 
Champions Universe, New Millennium, and San Angelo which cover pretty much 
the same ground (4-color), and then we have Hudson City (Dark Champions) 
for a gritty campaign.>> 
 
The Kandris Seal is not so much a campaign book as a supplement.  It was 
designed to be "universe neutral" - only real world locations were ever 
mentioned, and if the book had to refer to where the game was set, it was 
referred to simple as the campaign city. 
 
The Kandris Seal is about a secret society of mages, called the 
Thaumaturgia, and their fight against a group of demons known as the Keepers 
of the Broken Circle.  For purposes of the book, the only assumptions he 
book uses about the world it is set in are it is difficult to travel between 
dimensions, and that magic exists. 
 
The book also introduced Chaos (note the capital "c"), which is a force 
which can be used to power magic, give people super powers, and so on. 
However, Chaos is corrupting, and the more you use an ability that is 
Chaos-powered, the more you fall under the Keeper's control.  This 
corruption, known as being "tainted", can be removed, but once the character 
has become completely tainted there usually is no turning back.  And the 
kicker is, people can become tainted and be using Chaos powers and have no 
idea about the effects of the powers on them until too late. 
 
I included in the book several written up adventures, and about a dozen or 
so adventure seeds.  There are over 30 new characters, new spells, and I 
have created to simple indexes - one in alphabetical order, the other by 
topic. 
 
 
 
Lisa 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
Lead Developer, The Crimson Covenant 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
If the GM smiles, run.  If she laughs, it's too late... 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:39:24 -0500  
From: Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> 
Subject: RE: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
] MS> Okay, so PCs with psych lims such as "Must stop  
] injustice" or "Code vs 
] MS> Killing" are fair game to be splattered if their psych  
] lims state that 
] MS> they would try and interfere in the actions of the 70 STR brick? 
]  
] Having a psychological limitation does not mean you have to  
] be stupid about  
] it. 
 
The whole point of a psych lim is that sometimes you do stupid things. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:13:32 -0500  
From: Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> 
Subject: RE: blocking the heavy hits 
 
] BW> So, given the conversation about bricks vs. martial  
] artists, I have a 
] BW> question about blocking. When is a hit too heavy to block? 
]  
] Never. 
 
Soooo.... Galactus decides to squash you like a bug and you block? That's 
insane. 
 
Consider these attacks: 
[A] Aunt May takes a 1D6 swing at you with her walker. 
[B] Thor takes a crack at you with his hammer Mjolnyr, that no mortal 
[except the Hulk] can even lift. If he misses you, he's going to level the 
building you're standing in front of. 
 
Okay, you're character is a martial artist with some pretty good moves but 
no superhuman stats. 
 
You successfully block the shot. Somewhere between [A] and [B], we come to a 
point where the shot is all you can handle.  
 
Please don't tell me this is "genre" because I'm good and sick of hearing 
about it. I can use examples from a different genre if you like. 
 
The ancient red dragon takes comes around with his tail that's as big as a 
train. Do you block with your short sword? 
 
Somebody help me. 
BRI 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:13:13 -0500 (EST) 
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com> 
Subject: Re: blocking the heavy hits 
 
On 5 Feb 1999, Stainless Steel Rat wrote: 
 
> "BW" == Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> writes: 
>  
> BW> So, given the conversation about bricks vs. martial artists, I have a 
> BW> question about blocking. When is a hit too heavy to block? 
>  
> Never. 
 
uhm... wait a moment.  I have seen, both in comics and in other 
genres/media, scenes where person A has tried to block person B's atatck 
and falied miserably because person B's blow was too 
powerful/strong/heavy.  Happens in fantasy a lot.  Hapless redshirt puts 
up his word in an attempt to block Stormbringer (or Conan) and the sword 
blow plows right through the blocking sword (or, sometimes shield) and 
hits anyway.   
 
As a side note, I remember "The Wierd", where Batman blocked Superman's 
blow and broke both forearms in the process.  How do you model that?  A 
failed block?  Yet he didn't take full damage from the attack.  Hmm.. 
Filksinger?  This looks like your realm. 
 
- -- 
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html 
 
	           "Maybe I haven't destroyed enough stuff..." 
			     Susano Orbatos, _Orion_ 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 05 Feb 1999 08:33:30 -0800 
From: Christopher Taylor <ctaylor@viser.net> 
Subject: Re: blocking the heavy hits 
 
At 09:32 AM 2/5/99 -0500, Brian Wawrow wrote: 
>Hi, 
> 
>So, given the conversation about bricks vs. martial artists, I have a 
>question about blocking. When is a hit too heavy to block? How do you 
>decide? 
 
Most of what is involved in martial arts is not putting up a hand to stop 
an attack but deflecting and partially dodging it.  In this case the SPEED 
of the attack, not the STRENGTH is what determines what is more difficult 
to block, and as such it doesnt really matter if you are blocking a brick 
or a kid with a toothpick. 
 
Size is another matter, if the fist striking you is as large as a bus, no 
amount of martial arts will protect you, but I would treat that as an area 
effect with a special effect you cant block. 
 
>I imagine if foci are involved, you could have the blocking focus take 
>damage depending on its DEF and BOD. Fine. How about an unarmed blocker? 
>Surely he can't block a hand to hand attack of any scale. 
 
Actually you can, blocking swords is trickier, but still possible, its 
better if you have something like gloves or bracers that you can use to 
block the strike, but it can be done.  An aspect of combat that isnt 
covered very well in Hero is closing, if you are very close to someone with 
a sword, it is much more difficult to use on them. 
 
>How much of the attack's damage will a focus [a sword for example] take from 
>an attack that it blocks? I assume it wouldn't be full damage.  
 
Again, this depends on how you block, if you grab your epee on either end 
and hold it up to stop the Ogre from a downward smash with your buddy's 
unconscious body, it will snap in two and provide no protection.  But if 
you manage to step aside and push the attack over a bit with a staff, thats 
another story entirely.  I assume anyone with familarity with a weapon can 
use it properly in all cases. 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Sola Gracia		Sola Scriptura		Sola Fide 
Soli Gloria Deo    	Solus Christus		Corum Deo 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:10:58 -0500 
From: David Stallard <DBStallard@compuserve.com> 
Subject: Proposal for new sourcebook 
 
Here's an idea for a sourcebook for Hero/Gold Rush to consider or shoot 
down (I'd be interested to know if any other list members would find this 
valuable, too).  Some similar ideas have been floated before (the Ultimate 
Energy Projector, for instance), but this idea is more broad.  Here goes: 
 
How about a "Hero System Ultimate Powers Book"?  There was once an Ultimate 
Powers book for Marvel Super Heroes (you can now download this in PDF 
format for free, but I don't have the URL handy right now) which is great 
for drawing ideas for Champions characters.  I think this concept would be 
great for Champions, since the Big Blue Book essentially gives you the 
basic and explains the math, but doesn't do much as far as showing you how 
to apply the powers/advantages/limitations by describing common powers.  I 
know that 5th Edition Hero System will have lots more examples, but  I have 
a feeling the examples will mostly be used to explain the math, not give 
you lots of applications for a power.  Besides, giving examples of all the 
common powers seen in comics and and other media would be ambitious enough 
of a project to warrant it's own book. 
 
What I envision is a description of a power in plain english, followed up 
by how to implement it in the Hero System.  For example (and much 
abbreviated):  "Fire Blast allows your character to shoot jets of fire out 
of his hands, eyes, or any focus you might choose.  This is represented 
with a standard Energy Blast.  For more realistic fire, that burns after 
the shot is finished, you can apply Continuous, Uncontrolled to the power.  
For <some other special effect>, you can use <some other advantage or 
limitation>.  <And so on>."  Ice Blast and Laser Blast (and whatever else) 
would have their own entries which would be similar (based on EB), but the 
special versions would be different because of the different 
advantages/limitations needed to pull off that effect. 
 
Part of the book could also be organized by Elemental Control.  For 
example, there could be a section for "Magnetism Control", followed by a 
bunch of common powers and how to implement them in the Hero System.  There 
could also be sections like "Speedster powers," "Strength Powers," or 
"Mental Mastery," which would then have lists of powers commonly used by 
those types of characters (Speedsters, Bricks, and Mentalists, 
respectively).  Several concept implementations via Multipower and Variable 
Power Pool would also be good. 
 
In a sense, this book would pull together all of the "Ultimate" books 
(those published as well as those still on a wishlist somewhere, such as 
Ultimate Energy Projector) into one volume which would be the ultimate 
reference to building a character.  However, in no way would it replace 
those books.  They would still be the "specialty" books for when greater 
detail is needed, but this Ultimate Powers book would give players a taste 
of what lies in each of those books, so they could build decent characters 
in any genre without having to seek out the large (and growing) collection 
of Ultimate <character type> books. 
 
And this book wouldn't have to strive to list every conceivable power under 
the sun.  It could just list the common ones that are often seen in comic 
books and related media, and it would still be up to the players to 
implement the more unique powers they come up with.  But just having the 
basics written down with an "official" implementation would be really 
valuable as a springboard for ideas, as well as really helping new players 
create the character they want with a much smaller learning curve than is 
required by the current material (the Big Blue Book). 
 
So what do you think? 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 05 Feb 1999 09:37:24 -0800 
From: Christopher Taylor <ctaylor@viser.net> 
Subject: Re: [Re: Limitations on Multipowers] 
 
>CT> In my opinion the problem isnt with THIS rule, but with the incredibly 
>CT> teeny defenses that foci get. 
> 
>Remember, Focus *IS* a limitation. 
 
I am not complaining that they are limited, rather that they are apparently 
made of eggshells, the thread clearly shows that any AVERAGE handgun attack 
will demolish something like kevlar armor, which is very wrong, wouldnt you 
say?  The problem I have is that they dont have enough BOD and DEF, not 
that they are a limitation, after all some foci cannot BE destroyed, yet 
receive the same limitation, right? 
 
>CT> Especially armor, why would it have less DEF than it provides? 
> 
>It does not.  A Focus that provides DEF gets that DEF instead of its 
>figured DEF.  I know of no powers that would provide less DEF than 
>calculated. 
 
You are correct :)  I had not seen that little line, thank you for pointing 
that out :) 
 
>CT> AND the 1 BOD rule is absurd, the old system was much better, 
> 
>This is not the rule.  Foci have *NO* Body; they have powers.  If any Body 
>from an attack penetrates the DEF of a Focus, one power is destroyed, 
>regardless of how much Body penetrates.  The 1 Body 'rule' is a convenience 
>so I can say that, for a Focus with 10 DEF, if I do at least 11 Body I will 
>destroy a Power in that Focus. 
 
Gee, Rat, that makes it SO much better then LOL, its even worse than I thought. 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Sola Gracia		Sola Scriptura		Sola Fide 
Soli Gloria Deo    	Solus Christus		Corum Deo 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: 05 Feb 1999 12:15:32 -0500 
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> 
Subject: Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
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"BW" == Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@mondello.toronto.fmco.com> writes: 
 
>> Having a psychological limitation does not mean you have to be stupid 
>> about it. 
 
BW> The whole point of a psych lim is that sometimes you do stupid things. 
 
No, the whole point of a psych lim is that you act or react a certain way 
to certain things.  Stupidity is role-playing (or lack thereof), not a game 
mechanic. 
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Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>    \ When not in use, Happy Fun Ball should be 
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ returned to its special container and 
PGP Key: at a key server near you!  \ kept under refrigeration. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 09:51:44 -0800 (PST) 
From: Ell Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com> 
Subject: Re: Unity in Nerd Culture [was GenCon 99] ] 
 
> instead passed into a new form where the computer takes over the messy 
> work of calculating damage, combat results, movement points spent, 
> fatigue levels, and so on. 
 
Instead wargames have passed into a new form where the computer takes 
over the messy work of actually having to smell wargamers, buy them 
beer, listen to them chat about their gout, etc. 
 
 
   just a spin, not meant as a flame  :) 
 
 
All I mean is, it's easier on the socially fragile and/or 
geographically isolated to computer-game than face-to-face. 
== 
===========================  Elliott  aka  The Egyptoid == 
=== JLA: Justice League Alabama === Central HQ =========== 
=== http://www.sysabend.org/champions/elliott/index.html = 
 
_________________________________________________________ 
DO YOU YAHOO!? 
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 13:09:37 -0500 (EST) 
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com> 
Subject: Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
On 5 Feb 1999, Stainless Steel Rat wrote: 
 
> "MS" == Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com> writes: 
>  
> MS> Okay, so PCs with psych lims such as "Must stop injustice" or "Code vs 
> MS> Killing" are fair game to be splattered if their psych lims state that 
> MS> they would try and interfere in the actions of the 70 STR brick? 
>  
> Having a psychological limitation does not mean you have to be stupid about  
> it. 
 
Whoa... what about "Total" psych lims?  What about the fact that the 
reason they are psych lims is becuase they are "Limitations" which may 
'force' the character to do things the PC wouldn't do.  This includes 
'stupid' things (which some people might call 'heroic' things). 
 
- -- 
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html 
 
           "I don't care where I go, as long as it ain't here..." 
                     George Thorogood, "Gear Jammer" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:45:43 -0600 (CST) 
From: gilberg@ou.edu 
Subject: Re: blocking the heavy hits 
 
>uhm... wait a moment.  I have seen, both in comics and in other 
>genres/media, scenes where person A has tried to block person B's atatck 
>and falied miserably because person B's blow was too 
>powerful/strong/heavy.  Happens in fantasy a lot.  Hapless redshirt puts 
>up his word in an attempt to block Stormbringer (or Conan) and the sword 
>blow plows right through the blocking sword (or, sometimes shield) and 
>hits anyway.   
 
        Yup.  The person rolled to block and failed the roll--the block 
caving in is SFX.  If they had made their roll, the SFX would have been 
something like moving aside in order to make that sword-shield contact more 
angled. 
 
>As a side note, I remember "The Wierd", where Batman blocked Superman's 
>blow and broke both forearms in the process.  How do you model that?  A 
>failed block?  Yet he didn't take full damage from the attack.  Hmm.. 
>Filksinger?  This looks like your realm. 
 
        I'd say that you don't.  This would require, IMO and based on the 
last list discussion of this, a complete rewrite of the combat system.  It's 
a mess.  The best we came up with last time had people paying more to 
partially block then to fully block.  Perhaps this is best modeled with 
"rolling with the punch," merely being a different SFX.  You take less 
damage, but you still take some, perhaps much, of it.  And a Superman strike 
is pretty damn powerful to begin with, so even if Batman "rolled," he'd be 
in considerable pain. 
 
 
                                -Tim Gilberg 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 10:31:04 -0800 
From: "Filksinger" <filkhero@usa.net> 
Subject: Re: [Re: Multipower Questions] 
 
From: ANTHONY VARGAS <anthony.vargas@usa.net> 
 
<snip> 
>A Multipower with 4 slots, each with 4 charges, is in the same situation. 
>Each slot has a different limitation.  What?  They all have '4 charges?' 
>Well sure, the name of the limitation is the same.  'Doesn't Work durring 
>the day' and 'Only works durring the Day' are both 'Limited' limitations - 
>that's the name of it.  They're each good for a -1.  Anyone want to argue 
>they're 'the same' limitation? 
 
 
Considering that quite a few people already have, on several occasions, and 
you apparently either haven't been paying close enough attention to notice 
or don't want to notice, I must conclude that this thread has reached its 
limit. 
 
Filksinger 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 11:46:23 -0600 (CST) 
From: Curt Hicks <exucurt@exu.ericsson.se> 
Subject: Re: Normal Men as Superheroes 
 
> From: "Filksinger" <filkhero@usa.net> 
> > 
> >> 
> >Just to quibble:  24 body - 8 pd = 16 body taken   average body = 10 
> >leaving the character at  negative 6 body and dead in 4 turns.  more 
> >typically, an 8 PD character could take 3 shots before starting to die. 
>  
>  
> True, but you forgot knockback. A 12d6 attack could do, say, 15 BODY easily, 
> resulting in a possible 12d6 from knockback if you roll a 3 to avoid it, and 
> another 14 BODY from a moderately high roll on the knockback. Unlikely, but 
> not monumentally so, and your character is dying. Sooner or later, it _will_ 
> happen to your character, if the GM doesn't play "Deus Ex Machina". 
 
 
> From: Stainless Steel Rat <