Digest Archive vol 1 Issue 249

From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 1999 2:38 PM
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #249


champ-l-digest Sunday, March 28 1999 Volume 01 : Number 249



In this issue:

Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)
Re: Trigger and Personal Immunity
Whip Multipower
Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)
Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)
Re: Whip Multipower
Re: Whip Multipower
Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades
Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades
Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?
Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?
Re: Whip Multipower
Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?
Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades
Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?

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Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 11:25:25 -0800
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)

At 11:07 AM 3/27/1999 -0500, B.C. Holmes wrote:
>> Don't forget Teleportation - remember, it's "Hair today; gone
>> tomorrow."
>
> Ugh.
>
> I wonder how you'd create a character that has any power that can be
>turned into a pun. Big Multipower with a limitation that says that
>all powers must be linked to form a pun?
>
> Kinda reminds me of the character from the Brotherhood of Dada who
>has every super power that you haven't thought of yet.

One of my favorite PCs back in the Third Edition days was an extremely
powerful telekinetic who was a Christian pastor in his civilian life. He
used the name of Mustardseed.
(Unfortunately the re-costing of TK in Fourth Edition made playing this
character impractical, but that's another tale....)
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join?
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 11:29:44 -0800
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Trigger and Personal Immunity

At 09:21 AM 3/27/1999 -0500, Indiana Joe wrote:
> I was writing a spell for a FH mage with the Trigger advantage on it (the
>spell goes off when someone enters or leaves a hex). But I didn't want it
>to go off when the mage entered or left the hex.
>
> Now, is Personal Immunity required, or is, "when anyone except the mage
>enters or leaves the hex" an acceptable trigger? What about, "when anyone
>except a party member enters or leaves"? Would being able to change the
>permitted group require the +1/2 level of Trigger?

Answering these questions in order:
1. That proposed Trigger should be acceptable.
2. This would depend on the nature of magic in the campaign, as well as
how the status of "party member" is determined -- in other words, a GM
call. In general, the more objective the criteria, the more acceptable
this would be as a Trigger definition.
3. Again, this depends on how one defines what constitutes a member of
the group; changing a list of names would require +1/2, but if there's some
objective quality to the group members that others don't have (such as
wearing a certain sigil or being blessed by a certain deity), then no.
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join?
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 18:31:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Whip Multipower

11 Whip Multipower: 22 Points (OAF: Whip (-1))
1 u 22" Swinging; OAF: Whip (-1)
1 u +11 to Climbing rolls; OAF: Whip (-1)
1 m 13 Str Telekinesis; OAF: Whip (-1), Only to pull objects toward
user (-1/2); Affects Entire Object (No squeezing) (-1/4) Must
have made a sucessful Entangle or Grab maneuver first (-1/4),
Based on STR (0)
1 m 1.5d6 Entangle, Entangle Takes No Damage From Attack (+1/2); OAF:
Whip (-1) 1 Recoverable Charge (-1 1/4), Lockout (-1), Range Based on
STR (-1/4), Can not create "Walls" (-1/4)
2 m 4" Stretching; OAF: Whip (-1), No Noncombat Multiple (-1/4), No
Fine Manipulation (-1/4)
2 m 7d6 HA; OAF: Whip (-1), No KB (-1/4)
1 m 1d6 HKA, Increased STUN Mult: +1 (+1/2); OAF: Whip, Reduced
Penetration (-1/4); No KB (-1/4)

20 pt. Total

This is the Multipower I came up with for a criminal character.
It represents the various things she can do with her whip. Aside from
simple tricks, such as grabbing, ensnaring, pulling levers, and knocking
objects down, she can also use a whip quite effectively in combat.
Keeping in mind that a whip can travel more than 700 mph, and can generate
enough force to slice through sheets of tin, or cut flesh to the bone, I
think the ammount of damage she can dish out is quite reasonable while
still not being too useful against heavily armored targets. The whip she
uses is of an extremely high, professional quality, and was specifically
designed for combat situations. It's popper (or end) is made out of
tapered monofilament, which is both durable and sharp.
Of note, the 0 point Limitation on TK "Based on STR" represents
the fact that her STR of 13 can be utilized at a distance for pulling.
GM's should keep this in mind if there should be any drains used against
her.
For more info on whips and whip use, go to:
http://www.bullwhip.org

Questions, comments, and critiques are welcome.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 19:16:53 -0800 (PST)
From: Dale Ward <daleaward@rocketmail.com>
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)

Greetings!

- ---"B.C. Holmes" <bcholmes@interlog.com> wrote:
>
> I wonder how you'd create a character that has any power that can be
> turned into a pun. Big Multipower with a limitation that says that
> all powers must be linked to form a pun?
>

Pun Powers?!? How about...

Eclairsentience - A cop's supernatural ability to locate donut shops.


===

Dale A. Ward
~Diagonally Parked In A Parallel Universe~

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 08:18:21 -0500
From: werther@hilander.com (...jason schneiderman...)
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters (was Re: Hair fighter)

> I wonder how you'd create a character that has any power that can be
>turned into a pun. Big Multipower with a limitation that says that
>all powers must be linked to form a pun?

"Any power" says VPP to me. The limitation "Must be part of a pun," though,
seems like a *real* small one, unless there's RSR: Comedian involved. Face
it: gamers have a knack for puns.

SideNote: Speaking of puns and characters, I'm working on combining two
archetypes that never get mixed: the gung-ho supersoldier (Captain America,
Nick Fury) and the mystic master (Dr. Strange). I'm thinking of calling him
Major Arcana.

- - J

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 09:59:23 -0500
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com>
Subject: Re: Whip Multipower

Jason Sullivan wrote:
>
> 11 Whip Multipower: 22 Points (OAF: Whip (-1))
> 1 u 22" Swinging; OAF: Whip (-1)
> 1 u +11 to Climbing rolls; OAF: Whip (-1)
> 1 m 13 Str Telekinesis; OAF: Whip (-1), Only to pull objects toward
> user (-1/2); Affects Entire Object (No squeezing) (-1/4) Must
> have made a sucessful Entangle or Grab maneuver first (-1/4),
> Based on STR (0)
> 1 m 1.5d6 Entangle, Entangle Takes No Damage From Attack (+1/2); OAF:
> Whip (-1) 1 Recoverable Charge (-1 1/4), Lockout (-1), Range Based on
> STR (-1/4), Can not create "Walls" (-1/4)
> 2 m 4" Stretching; OAF: Whip (-1), No Noncombat Multiple (-1/4), No
> Fine Manipulation (-1/4)
> 2 m 7d6 HA; OAF: Whip (-1), No KB (-1/4)
> 1 m 1d6 HKA, Increased STUN Mult: +1 (+1/2); OAF: Whip, Reduced
> Penetration (-1/4); No KB (-1/4)
>
> 20 pt. Total

> Questions, comments, and critiques are welcome.

I have only two comments:

1: 22" Swinging. I think this is a bit much for whip, even a long
cinematic bullwhip. This allows the character to cross 145 feet in a
single swing! Wouldn't 4-6" make more sense (since the whip has 4" of Stretching)?

2: +11 to Climbing rolls; OAF: Whip (-1), I am very positive that
focused Skill Levels cost more. I think it is at least 3 points per
die, meaning that you only get a +7 with your climbing roll.

Other than that it looks good, I'm going to keep this in case I ever
need to hand a whip to a character.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 10:06:19 -0500
From: Mike Christodoulou <Cypriot@concentric.net>
Subject: Re: Whip Multipower

At 06:31 PM 3/27/99 -0500, Jason Sullivan wrote:
>11 Whip Multipower: 22 Points (OAF: Whip (-1))
>1 u 22" Swinging; OAF: Whip (-1)
>1 u +11 to Climbing rolls; OAF: Whip (-1)
>1 m 13 Str Telekinesis; OAF: Whip (-1), Only to pull objects toward
> user (-1/2); Affects Entire Object (No squeezing) (-1/4) Must
> have made a sucessful Entangle or Grab maneuver first (-1/4),
> Based on STR (0)
>1 m 1.5d6 Entangle, Entangle Takes No Damage From Attack (+1/2); OAF:
> Whip (-1) 1 Recoverable Charge (-1 1/4), Lockout (-1), Range Based on
> STR (-1/4), Can not create "Walls" (-1/4)
>2 m 4" Stretching; OAF: Whip (-1), No Noncombat Multiple (-1/4), No
> Fine Manipulation (-1/4)
>2 m 7d6 HA; OAF: Whip (-1), No KB (-1/4)
>1 m 1d6 HKA, Increased STUN Mult: +1 (+1/2); OAF: Whip, Reduced
> Penetration (-1/4); No KB (-1/4)
>
>20 pt. Total
>

What are you, Nut?! You'll put your eye out, kid!!

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 09:10:52 -0600
From: "Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin" <griffin@txdirect.net>
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades

At 08:18 AM 3/28/1999 -0500, ...jason schneiderman... wrote:
>SideNote: Speaking of puns and characters, I'm working on combining two
>archetypes that never get mixed: the gung-ho supersoldier (Captain America,
>Nick Fury) and the mystic master (Dr. Strange). I'm thinking of calling him
>Major Arcana.

Ha, that's *great*!

Let's see, in lieu of a single sidekick he could have a teen brigade called
the Minors. Make sure they all have their Minors' helmets for safety in
combat...

Whatever happened to "teen brigades" as sidekicks, by the way? Roger
Ramjet had his American Eagles, the Newsboy Legion attached themselves to
the Guardian, and I assume the Boy Commandos must have had an adult C.O. --
stretching a point pretty far I can even mention the Baker Street
Irregulars -- but all the other teen groups I can think of act on their
own, without direct association to an adult superhero.

Damon

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 11:52:12 -0500
From: werther@hilander.com (...jason schneiderman...)
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades

>At 08:18 AM 3/28/1999 -0500, ...jason schneiderman... wrote:
>I'm thinking of calling him
>>Major Arcana.
>
>Ha, that's *great*!
>
>Let's see, in lieu of a single sidekick he could have a teen brigade called
>the Minors.

Cup, Wand, Sword and Disc? I like it..


- ---
jadasc@ma.ultranet.com (life) Amalgam of the Day: Wesley Dodds and
werther@hilander.com (play) Tom Servo in SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE
jayafter12am@hotmail.com (late-night) 3000.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 11:59:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?

Is Absorbtion (Always On) a point crock?

How many times do you find that Absorbtion of direct electrical
current (example SFX) impairs you in every day life? Especially if it's
"touch only" or "skin to current." Shielded devices (insulated wire,
ground out and shielded power sources) wouldn't be adversely effected,
would they? Of course, touching a battery would probally suck the juice
right out of it.

On a similar note, what sort of Limitation would "attracts
electricity" be? Those glass electrical orbs would explode when you touch
them, sparks would fly out of sockets if you had your hands near them,
light bulbs and other devices would dim (like a brown out), you'd be a
living lightning rod, etc. ?

------------------------------

Date: 28 Mar 1999 13:24:42 -0500
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?

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* Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu> on Sun, 28 Mar 1999
| Is Absorbtion (Always On) a point crock?

That depends: is it a disadvantage?

| How many times do you find that Absorbtion of direct electrical
| current (example SFX) impairs you in every day life? Especially if it's
| "touch only" or "skin to current."

If you take the Always On disadvantage, ordinary insulation on wires will
not insulate the ability. You touch an electric coffee maker, it shuts
down. Try to turn on an electric light, it fails. TV? Dead. Given how
much modern society relies on electricity, I'd even give you a Physical
Limitation for it as well as the Always On disad.

[...]

| On a similar note, what sort of Limitation would "attracts
| electricity" be?

This is a character disadvantage, or possibly several related disads.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \

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Date: 28 Mar 1999 13:28:41 -0500
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Whip Multipower

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* Michael Surbrook <susano@otd.com> on Sun, 28 Mar 1999
| 1: 22" Swinging. I think this is a bit much for whip, even a long
| cinematic bullwhip. This allows the character to cross 145 feet in a
| single swing! Wouldn't 4-6" make more sense (since the whip has 4" of
| Stretching)?

Either that, or a bit of Superleap with a 'swinging' special effect.
Swinging is more realistic, Superleap is more cinematic.

| 2: +11 to Climbing rolls; OAF: Whip (-1), I am very positive that
| focused Skill Levels cost more. I think it is at least 3 points per
| die, meaning that you only get a +7 with your climbing roll.

5-point skill levels are the smallest skill levels that may have power
limitations. So at best you get +4 w/ Climbing, which is still not bad.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ If Happy Fun Ball begins to smoke, get
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ away immediately. Seek shelter and cover
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ head.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 13:34:07 -0500
From: Kim Foster <nexus@uky.campuscwix.net>
Subject: Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?

At 01:24 PM 3/28/99 -0500, Stainless Steel Rat wrote:
>-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
>Hash: SHA1
>
>* Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu> on Sun, 28 Mar 1999
>| Is Absorbtion (Always On) a point crock?
>
>That depends: is it a disadvantage?
>
>| How many times do you find that Absorbtion of direct electrical
>| current (example SFX) impairs you in every day life? Especially if it's
>| "touch only" or "skin to current."
>
>If you take the Always On disadvantage, ordinary insulation on wires will
>not insulate the ability. You touch an electric coffee maker, it shuts
>down. Try to turn on an electric light, it fails. TV? Dead. Given how
>much modern society relies on electricity, I'd even give you a Physical
>Limitation for it as well as the Always On disad.


Doean't Absorption only work against attacks directed at the character? For
instant, I couldn't use my Abosrption to turn off a light or turn off a TV
(unless the GN allowed it as a SFX trick). The effects above sound more like
drains, dispels or Supresses against electrical sfx.



Email Address change:Please update to the following:
nexus@uky.campuscwix.net

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 12:41:13 -0600
From: "Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin" <griffin@txdirect.net>
Subject: Re: Pun-based characters and teen brigades

At 11:52 AM 3/28/1999 -0500, you wrote:
>>At 08:18 AM 3/28/1999 -0500, ...jason schneiderman... wrote:
>>I'm thinking of calling him
>>>Major Arcana.
>>
>>Ha, that's *great*!
>>
>>Let's see, in lieu of a single sidekick he could have a teen brigade called
>>the Minors.
>
>Cup, Wand, Sword and Disc? I like it..

Making those names plural, in order to let each teen cover an entire suit,
might also suggest the use of Multipowers in some cases.

"Swords" for instance, might have a 13 slot Multipower where all the powers
used blades as SFX. Dimensional Travel by cutting open a door in the
"fabric" of space-time.

"Discs" might have a few of the same Powers, but at minimum they'd have the
different SFX of discs; where Swords throws knives, Discs would have
perhaps a chakram, a bola with flattened (disc shaped) weights, or
something along those lines. Teleportation discs would be obvious, as
would a circular flying platform.

"Cups" (who'd be female for obvious, if rude, reasons) is perhaps the most
difficult to fit into this pattern. Just this minute I can't think of a
thing, except a domed (inverted cup shape) Force Wall.

"Wands" might be the easiest -- anything rod-shaped could fit, so figure
either a quarterstaff for combat, or large arrow-like darts that can be
thrown with more than expected force. Superleap using a springloaded
vaulting pole.

Damon

------------------------------

Date: 28 Mar 1999 14:37:30 -0500
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Absorbtion (Always On) <-Is this a crock?

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* Kim Foster <nexus@uky.campuscwix.net> on Sun, 28 Mar 1999
| Doean't Absorption only work against attacks directed at the character?
| For instant, I couldn't use my Abosrption to turn off a light or turn off
| a TV (unless the GN allowed it as a SFX trick). The effects above sound
| more like drains, dispels or Supresses against electrical sfx.

Like I said: is Always On a disadvantage? If it is, that is how I as the
GM would play it. Otherwise it ain't worth squat.
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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.

------------------------------

End of champ-l-digest V1 #249
*****************************


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