So hey y’all.
So hey y’all.
I have been working on an alternative take on powers. I felt that the default was just a bit restrictive.
So I’ve written up something that I hope people enjoy, it’s intended in much the same spirit as the alternate harm rules for Apocalypse World.
Let me know what you think.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1drvgZmVzleHdpkc_HYZPn6JkrcTknoY–yjINvIm8_M/edit?usp=sharing
So, I thought I’d take a shot at making a character I’ve played a few times in a few systems to try this out.
So, I thought I’d take a shot at making a character I’ve played a few times in a few systems to try this out.
SENTINEL
(playbook: The Bull)
Real Name: Cpt. Benito MacGregor (Classified- Secret)
Look: Male, White/Latino, military or casual clothing, Simple costume
Pic: http://i.imgur.com/XfestwI.png
Abilities
Military Training:
Combat Tactics
Subject in an unsanctioned military project:
Invulnerability (yup)
Super-strength (can lift and throw about 95 tons/a tank)
Flight (about as fast as a jet, limited by still needing to breathe)
Freak +1
Danger +3
Savior -1
Superior +1
Mundane -1
Background
A semi-rogue government research program codenamed PROJECT NIGHTSKY. They had a deal during the ‘Mourning War’ (two alien races had a throwdown on earth, one side helped us the other tried to enslave us) the ‘good’ aliens provided a bio-engineered organ, similar to a heart, that pumped a bizarre hormone which reacted strongly to human physiology.
I was implanted with the alien heart, gaining incredible powers, and fighting alongside standard soldiers and earth’s heroes to try and end the war. Unfortunately, our allies suffered a tragic loss just after we pushed the ‘bad’ aliens off of earth. So that ended any more help from them.
(Unknown to me)
NIGHTSKY is still experimenting with a synthetic version of the alien hormone, however some unknown quality of the alien heart helps to regulate Sentinel’s powers because their other subjects exposed to the hormone have become monsters with bizarre mutations called Husks.
Pic of husks – http://i.imgur.com/DnmqkCn.png
They all have one or two powers similar to Sentinel’s, but they are all monstrously deformed, and very violent.
(/ unknown to me)
I’m still a soldier in the military, I’ve recently gained the rank of Captain, and I’m on Semi-Permanent assignment with STRIKE, a paramilitary enforcement and protection agency tasked with monitoring powered individuals all over the world.
I joined the military to make a difference, I agreed to NIGHTSKY because I wanted to protect my world, being a superhero is just doing the same job I always have, just doing it for the whole world now. I like to think my team believes something similar.
When our team first came together…
We defeated a dangerous enemy. Who or what was it?
Relationships
_________________ is your love. You’ve opened up to them about the worst parts of your past.
_________________ is your rival. They tried to control you at a crucial moment.
Influence
You’re kind of gruff. Give your love and rival influence over you, but that’s it.
MOVES:
The Bull’s Heart:
The laws of physics can kiss my ass:
In a China Shop:
#MadewithWIP
#MadewithWIP
Hey all, just doing more character creating with the latest rules. Here’s my main dude again.
Codename – SENTINEL
Playbook – My Mission/ Lead
Real Name – Major Morgan McConnelly (Classified)
Greatest Foe – Husks (The Wronged) The deformed and insane test subjects from PROJECT NIGHT SKY (see below).
They all have one or two powers similar to Sentinel’s, but they are monstrously deformed, insane, and very violent.
Current Costume – http://imgur.com/ZtuyaeF
Internal DoD memo Classified ABOVE TOP SECRET
PROJECT NIGHT SKY
in 2013 an object made planetfall above Chelyabinsk Russia. Official reports state it was simply a meteor which broke up on entry into our atmosphere, official reports are wrong, the Object (NIGHTSKY NS-00001) was a lone alien craft, intercepted and transported (Covert Flag: DEEP BLACK) to (REDACTED) research installation in (REDACTED), where it was then transferred to the United States (CONUS).
Of the crew, the sole surviving alien inside (NIGHTSKY XT-00013) was of a type we had never encountered before, It breathed an atmosphere of Argon and Krypton, but shared some surprsing genetic similarities with us. It was kept and interrogated for several months before it died.
Research:
Analysis of its anatomy and bodily functions yielded an interesting silvery hormone researchers dubbed “StellaChrome” (NIGHTSKY XTC-40) the source of which was a small gland, which pumped like a secondary heart, that pushed this substance throughout the alien’s body tissues.
Preliminary testing on dish cloned human tissue yielded exciting results, this hormone bound itself into the cellular structures and further reacted to a broad spectrum of “Solar and UV Energies” which tightened the quantum bonds of that tissue sample, making it very nearly indestructible. This process was dubbed the ‘Photonucleic Effect’.
Testing – Success:
It was hypothesized that the generating organ the “Star Heart” as it was called, was required to regulate the StellaChrome in it’s host systems. A volunteer was accepted, and with only minor complications the Star Heart was implanted into Subject 0.
Subject 0 has experienced very few drawbacks, and a whole host of amazing benefits. Every cell in his body has increased in strength and durability, he is now practically indestructible by most standards (which has created a setback for further internal studies).
Newly discovered secondary effects of the Star Heart:
– A unique gravitational lensing effect which has allowed the subject limited levitation, and with several weeks’ practice, full unaided flight.
– Neural activity in the subject’s brain and motor neurons are increasing at an exponential rate, hinting at eventual speed and reaction times far beyond human norms.
Further Testing:
With the only extant Star Heart implanted into Subject 0, the next stage of testing moved on to a synthesized StellaChrome derivative known as SynChrome.
Human trials of the synthesized hormone were approved 11/10/13, wherein a group of military volunteers were dosed with SynChrome, the results were as impressive as they were horrifying. Each subject’s body was enhanced to a greater or lesser degree like Subject 0, but these enhancements came with a host of secondary mutations, mental aberrations were also a significant drawback. The subjects became unstable, and unfortunately most were able to escape before they could be neutralized. They remain at large.
END FILE
Medical File (Addendum):
Morgan’s augmentations have made many tertiary changes throughout his body.
– The StellaChrome in his cells absorbs and channels solar energy through his tissues, his body temperature is almost 20 degreess higher than human norms, with a side advantage of killing off most pathogens and viruses before they can affect him.
– His abilities increase the strain on his metabolism so he has an
increased diet (8,000-10,000 cal/day with supplements as needed)
– Needs several hours in direct sunlight for bodily cells and the Star Heart to recharge.
MISC:
His vastly increased strength has made adjusting to everyday life exceedingly difficult, he has accidentally destroyed equipment, buildings, vehicles, and injured several personnel, but as he continues practice and with physical therapy for fine control of his movements, accidents have become exceedingly rare.
BASIC STATS
Smash +2
(Great at fighting)
Influence -1
(Not a people person, cold at best, asshole at worst)
Maneuver +1
(Pretty agile and dextrous)
Protect +1
(Semper Fi!)
Investigate 0
(Average wits and intellect, often depends on intel from others)
Powers Summary:
Passive (Always on):
[ ]Super Strength
[ ]Invulnerability
Transportation (Requires Effort):
[ ]Flight
Active Focus (Requires Effort and Concentration):
[ ]Extensive Military Training and Experience
[ ]Super Stamina/Endurance
[ ]Super Speed/Reflexes
[ ]Enhanced Senses
Powers Profile:
3 Simple:
[ ]Invulnerable Skin
[ ]Lift/Throw up to 100 tons
[ ]Outrun cars
3 Difficult:
[ ]Fly 2x faster than the speed of sound
[ ]Intuit tactical advantages in a chaotic situation
[ ]Speak multiple languages (Farsi, Russian, English)
1 Borderline:
[ ]Hack or repair some basic technology
1 Possible:
[ ]Increase reaction times fast enough that time seems to slow down (but does not completely stop)
1 Impossible:
[ ]UNKNOWN TBD
Limitations
(+4 Bonds, 2 extra simple, 2 extra difficult powers)
Sentinel cannot turn off his Strength and Toughness, he must concentrate and move with great care not to break things during normal everyday activities.
Sentinel gets tired and burned out through over exertion, and needs to spend time absorbing solar energy, resting, and eating to regain his strength. He has limits like any other person, his are just a lot further.
Sentinel needs to absorb Solar Energy regularly. Without it, he begins to feel sick. After awhile if he goes long enough without Solar energy, his powers start weakening within a day, and continue becoming weaker each day, until he can spend time in the sun again and recharge.
Sentinel can withstand the crushing pressures of the deep ocean or the heat of a volcano, but still needs to breathe, and sleep regularly.
Bonds (Group +5)
STRIKE (Law Enforcement): 2
The City: 1
Everyone Else: 2
Playbooks
ORIGIN: My Mission (STRIKE Division)
My current mission directive is to Uphold and Enforce International Laws regarding Superhuman or Advanced Technological Crimes.
The uncontrollable evolution of science, technology and superhuman abilities have caused rates of superhuman crime, terrorism, and other unexplained disastrous anomalies to outpace the ability of national military or police forces to cope. To combat this, The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to create a multi-national research and enforcement division, with operatives and teams working closely with local law enforcement to identify, contain, or neutralize superpowered threats.
STRIKE Division (Superhuman Tactical Response, and International Key Enforcement)* was founded, pulling superpowered agents and operatives from all of it’s member nations, and using the co-operative research and Development efforts of various tech firms and research labs for technical and scientific support.
STRIKE Teams are in almost constant operation around the world.
MOVE: Benefactor
When you invoke STRIKE Resources in order to gain access to a specific piece of information, item or location, roll+Influence.
On a 10+, you gain both access and authority.
On a 7-9, you gain a degree of access, but there is an obstacle that presents itself before you can acquire your target, the EIC will tell you what it is.
DRIVE: Lead
Mission Statement – To Serve and Protect
Sentinel is loyal to his oaths and the basic ideals of justice and rule of law.
MOVE:Take Stock (Tactical Advantage)
When you read a charged situation, roll+Investigate.
On a 7+, you can ask the EIC questions. Whenever you act on one of the EIC’s answers, take +1 forward.
On a 10+, ask 2.
On a 7–9, ask 1:
• Where’s my best escape route / way in / way past?
• Which enemy is most vulnerable to me?
• Which enemy is the biggest threat?
• What’s my enemy’s true position?
• If I had to make a stand here, where would be best?
• How can I gain the undivided attention of all those present?
Just continuing to play with the character creation, here’s one that Fred Hicks might like 🙂
Just continuing to play with the character creation, here’s one that Fred Hicks might like 🙂
Real Name – Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden
Playbook – What I Carry
Greatest Foe – The Black Council (Mastermind) a secret group of wizard-level evil practitioners stirring things up behind the scenes.
Current Costume – http://imgur.com/bv9h1A3
Harry’s mother died in childbirth, and his father died when he was a child, leaving him an orphan. As his magical talents began to manifest Harry was adopted and trained by the Evil wizard Justin DuMorne. When he was 16, Harry resisted Justin’s attempt to enslave his mind and killed him, breaking the first law of magic. The White Council of Wizards stayed his execution and placed him with a Council member as a kind of probation, his magical education was continued until he became a private investigator as an adult.
Harry operates openly as a detective “In the phonebook, under ‘Wizard'” in Chicago.
(This is pre-“Changes” Harry, to avoid undue spoilers)
Smash +2
Influence 0
Maneuver -1
Protect +1
Investigate +1
Powers Summary:
Athletic
Trained Investigator
Senses Magical Energy
Enhanced Hearing
Soulgaze
Wizard Sight
Evocation Magic (Fast, often destructive magic)
– Blasts of Fire or Force
– Shields
– Banishing
– Earth-shattering Ka-Booms
Thaumaturgy (Slow ritual magic that requires time and precision)
– Tracking Spell
– Summoning
– Shielding
– True Naming
Advantages:
Assorted enchanted items or potions – something for everything
– Blasting Rod
– Wizard Staff
– Enchanted Coat
– Bob the skull
Powers Profile:
3 Simple: Create a bullet-proof shield of magical energy, True Naming, Soulgazing
3 Difficult: Combat Evocation (Fuego-Forzare), Tracking Spell, Solve a Crime.
1 Borderline: Wizard Sight
1 Possible: Very powerful or wide ranging Evocations (multiple targets, or very large effects “The building was on fire, but it wasn’t my fault”, etc.)
1 Impossible: Go toe to toe with gods and godlike beings without help, or a plan.
Limitations (+5 2 extra simple, 2 extra difficult)
– Harry’s powers takes intense concentration to activate or work.
– Harry’s powers do not help with gaining access to places.
– Harry’s magic takes a toll on him, he is still basically a normal human, and can become exhausted and injure himself if he channels too much magic without rest.
– When Harry pushes himself too hard, he risks permanent serious damage.
– Magic is grounded out to nothing by running water. Standing in a stream or lake renders Harry powerless, standing in heavy rain makes casting magic more difficult.
– Harry must abide by the Laws of Magic, or face execution, or worse…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dresden_Files_The_Seven_Laws_of_Magic
Bonds (Group +6)
Friends: 4
White Council (Law Enforcement): 0
Chicago PD: 0
The City: 2
Playbooks
What I carry
Harry is an unusually powerful Wizard, he lacks fine control, but he is probably in the top 10 in terms of raw power. This means he is constantly getting offers of recruitment from various supernatural powers, or offers to trade him even more power in exchange for his services. He has thus far refused, but the temptation of power is always there.
Codename – SENTINEL
Codename – SENTINEL
Playbook – My Mission/ Do What Others Cannot
Real Name – Major Morgan McConnelly (Classified)
Greatest Foe – Husks (The Wronged) The deformed and insane test subjects from PROJECT NIGHT SKY (see below).
They all have one or two powers similar to Sentinel’s, but they are monstrously deformed, insane, and very violent.
Current Costume – http://imgur.com/ZtuyaeF
Internal DoD memo Classified ABOVE TOP SECRET
PROJECT NIGHT SKY
in 2013 an object made planetfall above Chelyabinsk Russia. Official reports state it was simply a meteor which broke up on entry into our atmosphere, official reports are wrong, the Object (NIGHTSKY S-00001) was a lone alien craft, intercepted and transported (Covert Flag: DEEP BLACK) to ________research installation in _____ _______, where it was then transferred to the United States (CONUS).
Of the crew, the sole surviving alien inside (NIGHTSKY XT-00013) was of a type we had never encountered before, It breathed an atmosphere of Argon and Krypton, but shared some surprsing genetic similarities with us. It was kept and interrogated for several months before it died.
Research:
Analysis of its anatomy and bodily functions yielded an interesting silvery hormone researchers dubbed “StellaChrome” (NIGHTSKY XTC-40) the source of which was a small gland, which pumped like a secondary heart, that pushed this substance throughout the alien’s body tissues.
preliminary testing on dish cloned human tissue yielded exciting results, this hormone bound itself into the cellular structures and further reacted to “Solar and UV Energies” which tightened the quantum bonds of that tissue sample, making it very nearly indestructible. This process was dubbed the ‘Photonucleic Effect’.
Testing – Success:
It was hypothesized that the generating organ the “Star Heart” as it was called, was required to regulate the StellaChrome in it’s host systems. A volunteer was accepted, and with only minor complications the Star Heart was implanted into Subject 0.
Subject 0 has experienced very few drawbacks, and a whole host of amazing benefits. Every cell in his body has increased in strength and durability, he is now practically indestructible by most standards (which has put a damper on further internal studies).
Newly discovered secondary effects of the Star Heart:
– A unique gravitational lensing effect which has allowed the subject limited levitation, and with several weeks’ practice, full unaided flight.
– Neural activity in the subject’s brain and motor neurons are increasing at an exponential rate, hinting at eventual speed and reaction times far beyond human norms.
Further Testing:
With the only extant Star Heart implanted into Subject 0, the next stage of testing moved on to a synthesized StellaChrome derivative known as SynChrome.
Human trials of the synthesized hormone were approved 11/10/13, wherein a group of military volunteers were dosed with SynChrome, the results were as impressive as they were horrifying. Each subject’s body was enhanced to a greater or lesser degree like Subject 0, but these enhancements came with a host of secondary mutations, mental aberrations were also a significant drawback. The subjects became unstable, and unfortunately most were able to escape before they could be neutralized. They remain at large.
END FILE
Medical File (Addendum):
Morgan’s augmentations have made many tertiary changes throughout his body.
– The StellaChrome in his cells absorbs and channels solar energy through his tissues, his body temperature is almost 20 degreess higher than human norms, with side advantage of killing off most pathogens and virus before they can affect him.
– His abilities increase the strain on his metabolism so he has an
increased diet (8,000-10,000 cal/day with supplements as needed)
– Needs several hours in direct sunlight for bodily cells and the Star Heart to recharge.
MISC:
His vastly increased strength has made adjusting to everyday life exceedingly difficult, he has accidentally destroyed equipment, buildings, vehicles, and injured several personnel, but as he continues practice and physical therapy for fine control of his movements, accidents have become exceedingly rare.
Smash +2 (Great at fighting)
Influence -1 (Not a people person, grating and harsh at times)
Maneuver +1 (Pretty agile and dextrous)
Protect +1 (Semper Fi)
Investigate 0 (Average wits and intellect)
Powers Summary:
Super Strength
Invulnerability
Flight
Super Speed/Reflexes
Super Stamina/Endurance
Enhanced Senses
Powers Profile:
2 Simple: Invulnerable Skin, Lift/Throw up to 100 tons
1 Difficult: Fly 2x faster than the speed of sound
1 Borderline: Move fast enough that time seems to slow down (but does not stop)
1 Possible: Focus his eyesight and see in UV/IR spectrum.
1 Impossible: Survive in hostile environments (space, underwater, etc.) without assistance (breath mask or something)
Limitations (+2 Bonds, extra simple power)
– (When my character pushes themselves and their power too hard, it affects them negatively in some way.)
Sentinel gets tired and burned out, and needs to spend time absorbing solar energy, resting, and eating to regain his strength.
– (My character has something that weakens or negates their powers.)
Sentinel absorbs Solar Energy regularly. Without it, he gets sick and his powers start weakening within a day, and continue becoming weaker each day, until he can spend time in the sun again and recharge.
Bonds (Group +3)
Others: 1
STRIKE (Law Enforcement): 1
The City: 1
Playbooks
My Mission (STRIKE Division)
The uncontrollable evolution of science, technology and superhuman abilities have caused rates of superhuman crime, terrorism, and unexplained disastrous anomalies to outpace the ability of national military or police forces to cope. To combat this, The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to create a multi-national research and enforcement division, with operatives and teams working closely with local law enforcement to identify, contain, or neutralize superpowered threats.
STRIKE Division (Superhuman Tactical Response, and International Key Enforcement) was founded, pulling superpowered agents and operatives from all of it’s member nations, and using the co-operative research and Development efforts of various tech firms and research labs for technical and scientific support.
STRIKE Teams are in almost constant operation around the world.
Do What Others Cannot
“Sometimes completing the mission isn’t as clean or tidy as you hope. I always complete my mission. Make of that what you will.”
