Supercape

GM Mikoto and Kikaru Hino were on the Yacht, inside. At this time of year, the weather was unattractive for the deck. Inside, over a game of Go, they drunk tea and talked. And, when Endeavour landed, bolted up to see what had happened. "What in the infinite Hells is going on? You smell like you have been swimming in raw sewage!" blurted her mother, actually pinching her nose which upturned inbetween concerned eyes. Despite a wash in the ocean, sewers smells had a habit of lingering. "I'm going to give you a shot of antibiotics. Looks like you could need them" said her father, with a slight smile despite the situation. He went back down, inside the yacht, to make himself useful and bring out the first aid kit. Mikoto sat down and handed her daughter a towel. "You have got a story to tell, I think" she said, opening up a suggestion...

Ok so firing off a last volley of metal into the last flying/standing demon: Taking 10 on the attack roll. Its thus a 21 attack (which may give autofire bonuses) which I presume hits. A DC 26 Toughness roll (plus any autofire bonuses)

"Ill shove this stick up your damn fools ass!" yelled Pitch back at the magician. She barely felt the spear. As far as she was concerned the demons were just stiffs. She could eat them for breakfast. Wait...she paused for a moment trying to piece together the mystery through the red mist. This was symbolic...right? She recalled some Tarot cards from her youth. The Fool? it wasn't that bad. Just like her really, diving in head first, oblivious to the wider dangers. But still, someone who sought out the unknown country. And the Magician...with a sword, a chalice, a disk, a wand...he was from the Tarot cards too. What was this? straight out of a Tarot deck? She guessed the Magician wasn't out to kill her, not with his monologue. But taunt her, tease her...there were plenty of ways to be malign other than with spear or sword. On that note, she pulled her hand back and launched a half dozen smoking barbs of spinning steel at the last demon above her....

Comments for Metal Man

Here is a build based heavily on the idea of limitations around a medium. The core concept is a man (in the builds case, a regular joe) who develops the ability to become part of the metal he touches. This means he can walk through metal, or use indirect elongation through metal. For instance, he could put his hand into a rail track, and a metal projection would pop up a mile down the track (or he could pull himself through the metal by such elongation!). It is matched up with other powers like speed and permeate and wall crawling, all limited to a metal / metal surfaces. These kind of “medium†limitations are interesting. He might be functional outside of metal environments, but is more powerful when he has his medium to play with. This makes things like position important, creating conflicts like duping or taunting him to leave his medium, or simply throwing him out of them. This conflict need not be material / combat, but also social and narrative. As built, a construction worker (even operating diggers and excavation equipment) would probably qualify for the struggling complication, money wise. Another spin on force field too: For a +0 Extra, failing concentration saves on his forcefield do not make the force field drop. Instead, losing concentration means that he cannot keep the metal skin liquid, and it solidifies. This means he is paralysed and helpless! (until he can reactivate it next round) Metal Man Power Level: 10 (150/150) Trade-Offs: -2 Defence, +2 Toughness Complication wise, this Metal man would need to touch metal in order to form his forcefield (and for that matter, his strikes), he functions with a metal “second skinâ€. Magnetism, electricity, or even vibrations might make interesting complications. His Metal powers might require an emotional state, or a “clear headâ€. Perhaps certain metals cause dangerous or unpredictable effects on him. Does he rust? Perhaps even he has problems with some aspects of metal (like reflections). Abilities: 4 + 2 + 4 + 0 + 0 + 2 = 12 Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 12 (+1) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 10 (0) Wisdom: 10 (0) Charisma: 12 (+1) Combat: 20 + 16 = 36 PP Initiative: +1 Attack: +10 Grapple: +12/+22 with Elongation Defense: +8 (+4 Flat Footed) Knockback: -11 (-15 On Metal Surfaces) Saving Throws: 8 + 7 + 6 = 21 Toughness: +12 (+2 Con, +10 Impervious Force Field) Fortitude: +10 (+2 Con, +8) Reflex: +8 (+1 Dex, +7) Will: +6 (+6) Skills: 56 Ranks = 14 PP Bluff 4 (+5) Concentration 4 (+4) Craft (Mechanical) 8 (+8) Craft (Structural) 4 (+4) Drive 8 (+9) Intimidate 8 (+9) Knowledge (Streetwise) 4 (+4) Notice 4 (+5) Profession (Construction/Machine Operator) 8 (+9) Sense Motive 4 (+4) Feats: 4 PP Improved Sunder Jack of All Trades Power Attack Second Chance (Toughness saves when colliding/impacting with large metal surfaces) Powers: 8 + 2 + 2 + 20 + 2 + 22 + 5 + 2 = 63 Elongation 10 (5000’, Range increment 100’, Feats: Indirect 3, Flaws: Medium [Metal]) [8 PP] Force Field 10 (Extras: Impervious, Flaws: Failed concentration does not cause force field to fail, but causes paralysis / helplessness until reactivated [+0]) [20 PP] Immovable 4 (+16 Resist Movement, -4 Knockback, Flaws: Only on/in metal) [2 PP] Immunity 2 (Suffocation; can breathe metal [and normally has liquid metal over face]) [2 PP] Metal Array (20 PP Array, Feats: Alternative Power 2) [22 PP] BP: Strike 8 (Extras: Penetrating, Feats: Improved Critical 2, Mighty, Variable Descriptor 1 [slash/Pierce/Bludgeon]) “Metal weapons†AP: Corrosion 10 (Flaws: Limited to Metals) [15 PP] “Destroy Metal†AP: Transform 5 (25lbs, Shape Metal, Extras: Duration [continuous], Flaws: Range [touch]) [20 PP] Speed 4 (100mph, Flaws: Limited to metal surfaces) [2 PP] Super Movement 5 (Permeate 3, Wall Crawling 2, Flaws: Limited to Metal) [5 PP] Super Senses 4 (Visual penetrates concealment, Flaws: Limited to Metal) [2 PP] “See through metal†Totals: Abilities (12 + Combat 36 + Saving Throws 21 + Skills 14 + Feats 4 + Powers 63 = 150/150 Power Points Other Ideas: Regeneration with metal medium is the obvious addition. A snare with the limitation that the target must be touching or standing on metal is another possibility. Tremorsense limited to metal surfaces could be an extra thing for just 1 PP. One could even do something like Superstrength (limited to handling metals). He might be able to lift a battleship, but not a mountain. Immunity to metal might be an interesting concept (or switch the powers around to give either a continuous, sustained or even permanent insubstantiality limited to metal). If this character is used as an NPC, other things could be considered. If he gets his hand on super alloys, he might become even more powerful (and/or prey to strange complications). The possibilities here can add extra conflicts rather than just straight combat. Keeping his hands off “Vibrantium X†could be an important social, narrative, or physical conflict. Alternatively, tricking him into using such dangerous alloys might be an alternative twist.

For comments on Netromancer

A request from Darksider about a new spin on a modern day mage. Rather than the normal (dare I say tired) "Spells on my Iphone/tablet" thing, this is more about a Constantine type character who uses surfs the Net to spot patterns, and access the Gestalt human consciousness as it presents in modern multimedia. In essence, it is about the psychology of the internet as a whole, rather than Hack/Tech stuff. An interesting take on the modern mage is the Nightwatch series (and films). Netromancer Power Level: 7 (105/105) Trade-Offs: +1 Defence, -1 Toughness The major complication here is that the Netromancer will need to spend long hours surfing the net, and possibly actually need to access the net himself to do some of these powers. Other possibilities would be arcane net entities out to get him, or even a shady past and criminal history. Addiction to caffeine, nicotine,or even stimulants, and a propensity to have a lack of sleep. Perhaps an irritable or hedonistic personality. Accessing the sum of human net experience could well take its toll on his personality or even sanity. Perhaps he needs a relationship (romantic or otherwise) with a dependent to keep him grounded. Finally as some powers are projecting the essence of the net (such as Emotion control or Distracting Environment) there does in fact have to be an internet. Any global shutdown would leave this soul with a hero point or two... Abilities: 0 + 2 + 2 +6 + 6 + 4 = 20 Strength: 10 (+0) Dexterity: 12 (+1) Constitution: 12 (+1) Intelligence: 16 (+3) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 16 + 16 = 32PP Initiative: +1 Attack: +8 Grapple: +8 Defense: +8 Knockback: -1 Saving Throws: 3 + 1 + 5 = 9 Toughness: +6 (+1 Con, +1 Leather Jacket, +4 Defensive Roll) Fortitude: +4 (+1 Con, +3) Reflex: +2 (+1 Dex, +1) Will: +8 (+3 Wis, +5) Skills: 64R = 16PP Bluff 4 (+6) Computers 12 (+15) Craft (Electronic) 4 (+7) Gather Information 4 (+6) Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 8 (+11) Knowledge (Behaviour Sciences) 4 (+7) Knowledge (Current Events) 4 (+7) Knowledge (Popular Culture 4 (+7) Knowledge (Theology and Philosophy) 4 (+7) Notice 4 (+7) Search 4 (+7) Sense Motive 4 (+7) Sleight of Hand 4 (+5) Feats: 7PP Connected Contacts Defensive Roll 2 Equipment 2 Second Chance (Computer Skill) Equipment: Concealable Microphone [1 EP] Masterwork Smartphone [1 EP] Masterwork Laptop Computer [1 EP] Light Pistol (Blast 3) [6 EP] Leather Jacket [1 EP] Powers: 2 + 2 + 22 = 25PP Super Senses 4 (Precognition, Flaws: Limited to what will be all over the internet) [2 PP] Super Senses 1 (Danger Sense [Mental], Feats: Uncanny Dodge [Mental]) [2 PP] Web Gestalt Array (14 PP Array, Feats: Alternate Power 7) [21 PP] Base Power: ESP 7 (Visual and Auditory, Flaws: Medium [internet]) [14 PP] AP: Animate Object 4 (60 PP Machine, Extras: Range [Perception], Flaws: Limited [Machines with Internet or remote link]) [12 PP] AP: Communication 9 [20,000 miles visual, Extra: Omni Directional, Flaws: Medium [internet linked screens], Feats: Rapid 2 [x100], Subtle 2, Selective) [14 PP] AP: Emotional Control 7 [14 PP] (Project Gestalt) AP: Datalink 9 (Feats, Subtle 2) [ 11 PP] AP: Environmental Control 4 (Distraction DC 10, Extras: Range Perception, Feats: Subtle 2) [14 PP] (too much information) AP: Mind Control 7 (Extras: Effortless, Conscious, Flaws: Limited (target must be watching a internet linked screen), Sense Dependent [Visual]) [14 PP] AP: Morph 7 (+35 Disguise, Any famous object or person) [14 PP] “Image on the web†Drawbacks: Vulnerable: Dazzle Attacks, x2 DC “Sensitive to overload†Totals: Abilities (20 + Combat 32 + Saving Throws 9 + Skills 16 + Feats 7 + Powers 25 - Drawbacks -4 = 105/105 (or 150/150) Power Points Other Ideas: Online Research, if you like that kind of thing, might be appropriate. Quickness limited to computers or reading might be interesting. A boost to knowledge skills from ultra web awareness (perhaps this has the tiring flaw, and maybe complications such as unreliable sources or tendency to blurt out random “facts†due to overload). The latter could be done as enhanced traits too. Maybe illusion limited to web memes might be considered (auditory, visual, maybe mental). The ritualist feat might be appropriate, and you could even try to get away with a Benefit (Uses Computer Skill in place of Arcane Knowledge) for that.

Using this for various requests, ideas, musings, mutterings, insanities regarding characters (PCs and NPCs) and powers. I will add a disclaimer: Nothing here is remotely built for optimisation (or its extreme version, min/maxing). They are skeleton builds really to look at interesting powers and concepts, and the builds are designed for that (although they will be functionally competent I hope). The builds I have done are not meant to be used "as is", but to provide ideas and thoughts. At a pinch you could use them as on the cuff NPCs. Note that after each post/build/idea, I will leave a space for comments if anybody has some thoughts or suggestions on further twists and turns etc. Or you could even use the space for comments for comments. Just edit the post in question. Not your average technomancer, this is a multimedia focussed low PL magician. Some thoughts on powers with mediums (in this case, metal!).

"Wunderbar! More than one! Let go shooting! Pow! Zap!" buzzed Trigger, his green lights glowing excitedly. "I am afraid my comrade here is less than wise" grunted Starshot though his mask. "More than one...but how many? We could hunting a whole nest..." "You heard the lady, men...be ready. Expect the unexpected!" he told their escort uselessly. The unexpected was, after all, impossible to expect. And yet, they must try. Starshot hefted Trigger to the ready. "Lead on Seika, one of your eyes is worth two of mine". Even with Mask on, Seika had lived and grown up in wild and dangerous forests and jungles. Skilled as he was, both of them knew he was no match for the alien huntress.

Just go for it!

And why not? For lazyness sake rolling 4 d20s for the above skills in order: Knowledge and Sense Motive Rolls: 4#1d20 4 17 15 18 With skill modifiers that would be: 9 for Arcane Knowledge, 27 for Popular Culture (hey, Rock Journalist!), 17 for Theology/Philosophy, and 28 for Sense Motive. So fits her: oout of her depth in magic, but ROCK!

vs Magician: 1d20+12 21 for will save, so that goes down by 1. For 5 minutes which could be nasty. Anyway, its a minor fail so I can live with it. Toughness Save: Save vs Demon Toughness: 1d20+11 30 cant argue with that.

Pitch moved fast, backing off again, ducking behind some crumbling masonry. The tattoo on her spine itched, knowing that an Infernal blast of hellfire might come crashing down. Whilst such infernal magics would have no effect on her, getting sliced in two would. Tazel kept her flesh bound with smoke and fire, and she could take a beating with the Demon hissing in her. Still, no need to walk into a demonic fist. Leaning round the masonry she once again threw her fist, swooping down, and releasing two more spears of metal, black, smoking iron, bent and sharp and fired like harpoons at the demons. No mercy to them. "Mind telling me who you are, Mr. Spooky?" she said to the shadow and cape above her. "I'm an easy kind of girl, but I still like to know names on a first date!"

Well lets try another autofire special, this time at just -2 to hit. Again, shifting it +1 attack, -1 defence Throw Metal at Demons: 2#1d20+9 16 23 not too bad. DC 25 Toughness for whoever fails that save. Move Action, taking cover if there is any, perhaps some fallen crumbling masonry?

There is...in general, but I threw this out in chat. My opinion is its fine to kill him, but that has to be Skaeres choice, and an interesting one. Obviously don't play this too "Whoop de do, I killed somebody!" these things should be rare and serious. That said, I trust you can make this a good one, so post away that killing bite (if you wish!)

"Noooooooooooooo!" yelled Pitch, full of fury. She was normally a good piece full of fury, but right now, she frothed over. There had been enough blood on this island. Enough people dead. She stumbled back a dozen feet, red in her eyes, literally as well as metaphorically, and let out a snarl. "You killed them! You! Not me!" All the frustration at her life boiled over and she swung her hand, releasing a wave of metal spikes, twisted and barbed, thundering in a steel arc towards the demons in front of the bell tower...

One last edit for the lost but not forgotten. - Fox Straightforward one: Lord Steam Equipment now paid for in full (freeing up Silver Reward) This adds 15 PP to His Feats (a total of 37 PP) which needs adjustment at the bottom of the sheet. Meaning his total PP cost is 206 (out of 207 available).

"Sensuous realm, I kind of like" said Pitch, a little cheekily, hand on hip. Licking her lips and giving a wink did not work quite so well when you were breathing out smoke and fire, though. "But reshaping reality, not so much" As the Suns light departed, and the Moons began, Springsvale comments about taking in the dark took on an eerie quality. "So...does that mean they strike at night, too?" she asked. "Sounds like we should strike them first, get the sucker punch in, if you ask me. Although we should find them first..."

Move action: Back off a little, say 15 feet. Standard Action: Throw Metal as Autofire Attack, lets go for all five of em, giving a -5 penalty to attack rolls. To help that a bit, shifting the attack slightly +1 Attack, -1 DC. Autofire Attack on Demons: 5#1d20+7 23 24 24 23 10 Which is pretty awesome. I am guessing that hits the first four (but no crits), so DC 25 Toughness for those that hits.

GM The Huntsman sagged in Skaeres grip. For all his skill, he was no match for the strength of the ferral heroine. "Maybe you should. I do not wish for death, but I would rather it came from a furious claw and bloody tooth than from the ignobilities of old age" he said, tinged with sadness but forged from honour. "Yes, if it must be so, then do it!" he commanded. "I have lived decades longer than any man should. My vitality wrought from every kill. Yes! Every time I kill a beast, I grow younger, I can feel it. And yet...I cannot hold off death forever. Over the years, I have had to kill wilder beasts, longer teeth, sharper claws, just to harvest the same reward. I must hunt for bolder and deadlier beasts to get the same fix. You,,," he paused for breath, still bleeding. "You would be a prize beyond compare. No lion or tiger could match you. If I shot your heart, stilled your breathing, I would have decades!" he gasped.

Thats gonna be a mean fight, although fortunately Pitch is loaded to the hilt with HP! 1d20+6=8 Initiative!

And finished! Let me know in this thread or via PM if you want follow ups, namely: 1. Back for Bob. 2. Ulysses and Annie joining the Ministry (might be a solo Ulysses joint?) 3. Vanguard forms for the Incursion.

GM "Got to go back to Bob? What on earth are you talking about?" said Dr Rost, so agitated she threw her cigarette away angrily into a firemans mug of tea (by awkward chance). And so the debriefing occurred. Frankenbolts, gently fizzing and sparking away, drove Annie Key, Ulysses, Synapse, and Dr Rost back to London. All the while, Dr Rost, squirming and fidgeting, high as a kite on caffeine and nicotine, quizzed them about this, that, and the other. She would not be happy until she knew the type of moustache the brave Captain Singh sported. Her fingers tapped over her laptop, taking copious and quite probably disorganised notes of everything. Dr Rost was a clever women, no doubt, but she was so anxious and agitated her thoughts and manners were losing coherence, making her more brusque than normal. Annie Key kept largely silent, sullen and defiant, snapping with blistering shouts when pushed. To this, Dr Rost wisely backed down. And so it was that the great Indian railway was completed, free from explosives, free from thundering steam powered robots. The Thuggee cult, without the focus of Annie Key, continued to be a dark and dangerous force, but without the expertise to stop the railroad. The spirit of Industry was well and truly satisfied. And on the road back to London, Dr Rost got a call, a call that mentioned both Ulysses and Annie. "It appears there may be an opening at the ministry...if you are interested..." she said to the pair. ~ Fin ~

So as you bank around a bend in the sewers, Hannah fires of a perception range attack: DC 14 Fort Save vs a Paralyse effect. Endeavour, being a smart cookie and seeing the inside of Hannahs brain (literally), can take an educated guess. Hannah has a cybernetic datalink in her brain, allowing her to remote operate computers (handy for someone who cant type well). She is using an aggressive version of this to project into Endeavours brain.

GM Doctor Sparks was too shocked to anything but blurt out "Her? You need her?" as he stepped back, knocking over glassware and medical equipment. "I thought the implant would be enough! But now I see you wanted more...your sister! That is why you brought her here!" Hannah did not answer, instead, quick as a flash, and lithe as a cat, she ran out of Doctor Sparks hideout, keeping her balance even through the scum and slime of the sewer. She was unused to such fluidity of movement, but still, she was an agile one now. The dim lights of the Sewer met her, as Endeavour flew away, banking around a corner. Lithe as she now was, Hannah could not match the speed of her "sister". Not by a long shot. But... She pressed her hands to her temple and concentrated. "That was not the first piece of work Doctor Sparks did for me!" she shouted at Endeavour. "And I need you. I was just the throwaway, the unneeded and unwanted genetic experiments. You owe me a life!" With that, Endeavour felt a spark fly off in her brain, something electrical short circuiting her muscles....