Seren

I agree with the first sentence. The second doesn't. We'll use my +3 bonus with 2 ranks of Dodge Focus (for +5 under normal conditions) as an example. Removing the 2 ranks gives a +3. Half of +3 is 1.5. Round down to 1. I lose 1 rank of my Defense bonus, leaving me at +2. Raw defense bonus (+3), halved (+1.5), rounded down (+1). So, your first sentence says I get +2 but your second (which appears to be summing up the first) says I get +1. Looking through the other heroes here, I get something odd though... Doesn't lose any raw Defense - The Emissary Rounds down - Velocity, Nightshyft, Markus Eldritch Doesn't mention, but would have to round - Valkyrie, Dead-Boy, Grimalkin, The Legionnaire The rest have bought even ranks of raw Defense, so don't have to round. So, it does seem that it's commonly rounded down here - which is fine if it's the rule here, but your first response disagrees with it (and it's not mentioned in the game rules). If you lose half your raw defense (rounded down), you're left with half your raw defense (rounded up) for your flat-footed Defense bonus.

You're right on the ability cost - that's a bit odd... (that I made the mistake, not that you're right) However, the flat-footed defense is defense without the dodge bonus. Page 32 (Chapter 2, Defense Bonus, under Dodge Bonus) says that half the defense bonus (rounded down) is the dodge bonus. Unless I missed something (which I'll admit's completely possible), it does get rounded up. I'll look at the ability tomorrow...

I'm thinking it's a matter of availability. In my specific example, I could probably get away with not purchasing any of the equipment. Being slightly above normal wealth (5 ranks of Profession adds a +1, at least generally), he'd have a cell phone and could easily get a simple camera. The tonfa could easily be supplied by the department, and for computer use - well, there's always places that I can get onto a computer. However, lots of people forget their phones or don't charge them when they need to. So, yeah, you own one, but it's not much use if you don't have it on you (or if you can't use it). The ep is basically saying that you're one of those that always brings it with and charges it whenever you're at home for extended periods of time. Of course, after a week or two without access to electricity and it'll be out (or various other things) A Device version (the next step up) would be a cell that can recharge itself when not in use and is probably tougher than normal phones. It's significantly more expensive, but it's almost guaranteed to work well for you. Computer and camera are similar, in that he's gotten used to bringing them with him, so it's second nature to bring them with (rather than to leave them at home). As for the tonfa, I was thinking more along the lines of what he'd have when not on duty. That, and he's not great with the guns. He's a decent shot, yes (a +2 bonus for a PL4 means he only misses 10% of the time when the average person of his skill level wouldn't). Then again, he's better at avoiding damage than dealing it. Even with his best weapon. But then, the equipment that he does get from the department is still useful. Any protective gear will allow him slightly better protection if he's not expecting it, and would allow him to take more damage while having a better chance of avoiding it (if he makes a reflex save that Defensive Roll can boost the bonus for, while the armor brings him back up to his limit). Weapons would allow him to do better damage, as his current is fairly low. As for Ritualist, if I remember right, I could actually use a HP to attempt one. But then, that would be much more of an amazing feat that may never be repeated.

Here's the first draft of the sheet. If there's anything you need to know/add/have me add, let me know. Player's Name: Seren Power Level: 4 (60 PPs) Unspent PPs: 0 Trade-offs: +1 Attack / -1 Save +0 Defense / -0 Toughness Character's Name: Herbert Russell Alternate Identity: Height: 5’ 10†Weight: 185 lbs. Hair: Black Eyes: Blue Description: If he were more active, Herb would be an imposing figure. However, while it’s not exactly easy to explain what it is, something about how he carries himself lets people know that he is a computer geek. He’s a bit unfit, although since joining Department 32 he has begun to get better fit – it’s just tough to keep up an active exercise when you’re not used to it. Those that pay attention to such things will likely note that he rarely stares at anything. His eyes are often darting somewhat quickly, taking in whatever area he finds himself in. History: As a kid, Herb was always the little nerd that spent all his time in the library and excelled in most of his classes. As he grew up, he had a few growth spurts and started becoming more well-rounded. Yet, he remained in libraries, bookstores and online nearly constantly. For quite a while, he made a living buying and selling various things online. Being a natural at knowing what to look for, he could find information on some of the hardest to find items as well as where and how to sell the same. An interesting side-effect was that his mind seemed to naturally make connections quickly, as well as noticing things different, even in his own mind. After an encounter involving the department, Herb was part of a group of civilians that was taken out of the area temporarily and faced with something that affected the minds of most of the others. Herb was unfazed and as the group made a quick escape, learned of where it’s at. After a few weeks, Herb found his way in to talk with the Department and was soon had a full-time job. He still works online on occasion (and, while some don’t like it, those occasions tend to be in the office). Since joining, Herbert has decided that he wants to become a detective, and possibly eventually get out of the Mysterium and into the main FCPD. With his natural abilities, as well as his new morning exercises, he’s starting to get closer to his goal. Stats: Strength: 12 (+1) Dexterity: 10 (+0) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 18 (+4) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: Attack +2, +3 [melee], +5 [Tonfa] Grapple +4 Damage +1 [unarmed], +2 [Tonfa] Defense +4, +1 [flat-footed] Initiative +0 Saves: Toughness +3, +2 [normal] Fortitude +2 Reflex +1 Will +4 Skills: Computers 5 (+9) Gather Information 9 (+9) Investigate 9 (+13) Knowledge [Arcane Lore] 4 (+8) Knowledge [behavioral Sciences] 2 (+6) Knowledge [Civics] 2 (+6) Knowledge [Current Events] 4 (+8) Knowledge [streetwise] 1 (+5) Knowledge [Tactics] 4 (+8) Notice 6 (+9) Profession [Detective] 1 (+3) Profession [Online Retailer] 5 (+7) *Research 11 (+15) Search 4 (+8) Sense Motive 5 (+8) Feats: Attack Focus [melee] Attack Specialization [Tonfa] Benefit [use Knowledge (Tactics) for Master Plan] Defensive Roll 1 Dodge Focus 1 Equipment 1 Luck 1 Master Plan Quick Draw Ultimate Effort [Will save] Equipment: Camera (1ep) Cell Phone (1ep) Computer [Laptop] (1ep) Tonfa [Mighty Damage 1, Crit 20] (2ep) Cost: Abilities (20) + Combat (10) + Saves (2) + Skills (18) + Feats (10) = 60/60 points

Sorry about taking so long, just been an off week... I have been building, just need to work it into a sheet. I could probably have a sheet up today or (very) early tomorrow...

Good points... I was meaning classrooms or other rooms around the campus - basically just areas that they could hold a large amount of people hostage without needing too large an amount of guards. So, it's not so much the whole campus being taken, but enough to make him seem serious and us having good/bad luck. There could easily be the panicked scattering - which would serve quite a few purposes (realistic, distraction to change, another concern for the heroes - protecting the other students while stopping the attackers). That said, they'll have some slight advantages - the thugs are the 'science geeks' at the college, but stronger and a bit duller. So, while we probably won't recognize them, Kevin would have a decent chance.

No problem, Folkert. Maybe another time. As for your question, Herid, I was also thinking about when to switch from basic tour to the 'main' story. Obviously not too early, but we don't want to stretch on if none of us are having fun. I also assume we'll need another mod when we get to it. So, my thought is maybe another 2 posts each, bringing us to page 3 - for example, in the dorm to heading to the food court followed by in the food court/getting food. Then the trouble starts. That way we can get a mod ready as we finish up the 'player-run' thread type and get ready for the mod. Although some hints could probably be thrown in early... But yeah, feel free to start introductions of the drama/villain. In fact, we could have a couple thugs show up to get the group to a holding cell (or whatever you want to call it) - maybe three, using their basic stats. Then we need to take the three down without changing into costume and are able to change as the group escapes. I thought I'd put this up and see what you two think about it.

Oliver was busy looking around as the group walked around. He could tell, though, that there were some paying close attention - either planning to come to the college or (less likely, he figured) considering it among other schools. Others were paying no attention, having already been accepted to a school they preferred or having another year or more of high school. It wasn't really eventful, but Oliver could see how it could be called interesting. Although being one of the last in the dorm, Oliver nodded in agreement as he just caught the comments on morning exercise. He hadn't been too unfit before, but he learned early on to warm up a bit before patrolling or he'd be completely out of it the next day.

Oliver grinned a bit, laughing to himself when the guide mentioned the freshmen trying to get free food. He could probably guess who one of two of them were. Then again, most of the people in the group could, and it showed on some of their faces. When Kevin asked for questions, Oliver couldn't think of any off the top of his head. So, he looked around at the group slowly, to see if anyone else had any. It was somewhat interesting to see how such a small group, even one standing this close together could be so visibly seperated. There were two girls chatting and looking up at Kevin, nearly giggling. They were with the smiling guy next to them who would occassionally whisper something that would get them going faster. The boy in front of them, however, seemed to have just picked the wrong place to stand. Of course, on the other side... Well, he tried to get a look at everyone, but got a bit distracted by a blonde. Definitely athletic, although he guessed not a lifter. He was able to move on, noticing a few others raising their hands, but guy or girl, he couldn't remember. "Do you have a girlfriend?" A male voice from Oliver's right caused him to turn (along with a few other heads). It was the guy by the two girls, who looked at each other then at Kevin, obviously trying to not go back into a rapid talk. If you ever wonder why freshmen are looked down on... Oliver thought to himself, rolling his eyes as he turned back to the girl on his left. Rather, to Kevin. Maybe he turned a bit so he could look at Kevin and have her in the corner of his eye...

Yeah, it sounds good, but I'd prefer to have a 'slot' for each PL (4/6/10)... I can understand why you might not want to do that, and even if we didn't I'd consider it but might not actually take the option up (unless I were to drop Oliver, which I'd like to not do).

Sorry about taking so long, I thought I had checked Thursday and didn't see a response from Heridfel... then school and family decided to both pile on... Should be back down to normal now, though. But yes, I had to do the backpack line :lol:

It took Oliver a second to realize where they were seperating the groups. That would mean... "Hey, Chris, I think..." he leaned over to mention that they would be in different groups. Something seemed odd, though, and Oliver knew exactly what it was. Chris and Matt were already up and with the main group. Oh, well. He waited for people to start heading towards the door before standing and puting his backpack back on his back. As he made his way to the door his group was headed too, Oliver saw why they had gone so quickly. Chris always seemed to have really good luck, meeting a girl he had a psychology class with when he was a sophomore. What was her name... Heather something? No, I don't think so. Her face is a little longer... Oliver shook the look of slightly confused focus off his face as he made his way through his thoughts, listening to all the people around him talking.

Wow... I must have been really out of it when I read that. Somehow I only remembered up to :twisted: and then everything after "At PL 10, your Attack Bonus + Attack Damage must be equal to or lesser than (PL x 2), or 20 in your case." So, I ended up completely missing the notes on the Boost effects...

Wow... I must have been really out of it when I read that. Somehow I only remembered up to :twisted: and then everything after "At PL 10, your Attack Bonus + Attack Damage must be equal to or lesser than (PL x 2), or 20 in your case." So, I ended up completely missing the notes on the Boost effects...

Also, even though it's a side note for this build... Boost states that it can't increase permanent or innate effects - a little odd, yes, as it also specifically states that you can increase ability scores, skills, and feats. Assuming (as I would) that it means permanent or innate powers, then that means a few of your powers wouldn't be increased. Specifically, Protection, Immunity and Regeneration. Of course, you could get +0 extras to make them sustained, or +1 extra to make them continuous (technically, the +0 would be a +1 extra and a -1 flaw). So, there are some things you can learn from builds like this. :D

Also, even though it's a side note for this build... Boost states that it can't increase permanent or innate effects - a little odd, yes, as it also specifically states that you can increase ability scores, skills, and feats. Assuming (as I would) that it means permanent or innate powers, then that means a few of your powers wouldn't be increased. Specifically, Protection, Immunity and Regeneration. Of course, you could get +0 extras to make them sustained, or +1 extra to make them continuous (technically, the +0 would be a +1 extra and a -1 flaw). So, there are some things you can learn from builds like this. :D

Things not obvious, but that may be helpful (after my post)- They ended up getting into the same area as Megan, so unless she was 'distracted' by something (like, oh I don't know, the orientation), she probably saw them slide in. Figuring that it would work best with us in the same group, Kevin is in charge of the section with Megan and Oliver in it - although that section ends at Oliver, meaning that his friends will be in another group. I figure it'll make it a bit more interesting (plus it's usually easier thinking in one mind than three).

Things not obvious, but that may be helpful (after my post)- They ended up getting into the same area as Megan, so unless she was 'distracted' by something (like, oh I don't know, the orientation), she probably saw them slide in. Figuring that it would work best with us in the same group, Kevin is in charge of the section with Megan and Oliver in it - although that section ends at Oliver, meaning that his friends will be in another group. I figure it'll make it a bit more interesting (plus it's usually easier thinking in one mind than three).

The trio rushed through the fairly empty halls, trying to make it to the auditorium for the orientation. Chris lead, having had visited once before (which was better than the other two) keeping back just enough to be spotted as he went around the corners. "Almost there," he called as Matt and Oliver turned a corner. "Did we just go in a circle?" the pair kept following Chris, however, as they'd lose track of him otherwise. Finally, they found their way to the front entrance, only to find the doors shut and the sound from the speakers coming through. They looked at each other for a second, trying to decide if they should go in through these doors when Chris seemed to have a bright idea. He started down another hall and motioned to have Oliver and Matt follow him. They rolled their eyes, but quickly caught up with him at another set of doors. "Luckily, they have more than one entrance. And this one should get us in without having to be obviously late," he explained before opening the door. Their luck turned out even better when they saw that there were empty seats open that they could fairly easily get into with anyone not actually looking at or near them noticing. Unlike the other two, however, Oliver's ears went to the front where the speaker appeared to be transitioning. "Now then, some of our students will be taking groups of you out to tour the grounds. You'll all get time for lunch, but we'll be spreading it out a bit to help with the campus tours. So, I'm going to ask them to come in now. They know which groups they're taking, so I hope to see you all in the coming years," he finished.

The trio rushed through the fairly empty halls, trying to make it to the auditorium for the orientation. Chris lead, having had visited once before (which was better than the other two) keeping back just enough to be spotted as he went around the corners. "Almost there," he called as Matt and Oliver turned a corner. "Did we just go in a circle?" the pair kept following Chris, however, as they'd lose track of him otherwise. Finally, they found their way to the front entrance, only to find the doors shut and the sound from the speakers coming through. They looked at each other for a second, trying to decide if they should go in through these doors when Chris seemed to have a bright idea. He started down another hall and motioned to have Oliver and Matt follow him. They rolled their eyes, but quickly caught up with him at another set of doors. "Luckily, they have more than one entrance. And this one should get us in without having to be obviously late," he explained before opening the door. Their luck turned out even better when they saw that there were empty seats open that they could fairly easily get into with anyone not actually looking at or near them noticing. Unlike the other two, however, Oliver's ears went to the front where the speaker appeared to be transitioning. "Now then, some of our students will be taking groups of you out to tour the grounds. You'll all get time for lunch, but we'll be spreading it out a bit to help with the campus tours. So, I'm going to ask them to come in now. They know which groups they're taking, so I hope to see you all in the coming years," he finished.

Well, here's the thread... If you're taking the same route (I used the Freedom City map), you might have passed them on the way. They got to the parking lot with about five minutes until Orientation or the tour begins, depending what you guys want - I wasn't completely sure how far to get, but figured this would be the earliest we'd have any major interaction.

Well, here's the thread... If you're taking the same route (I used the Freedom City map), you might have passed them on the way. They got to the parking lot with about five minutes until Orientation or the tour begins, depending what you guys want - I wasn't completely sure how far to get, but figured this would be the earliest we'd have any major interaction.

It was a fairly quiet day on Route 4, which was a little odd, as most of the high schools in the city had students out to visit the various colleges. And that's exactly why the dark blue '99 Taurus was on the road. As they drove along, the guy in the back leaned up. "Hey, I'm gonna cut out early and head back on my own." He patted the bag next to him for a better explanation. "So, what, you're not going to go to Freedom College?" the driver replied, with a bit of fake shock behind his voice. "Oh, come on. We all know it'll be FCU for me, Chris. I'm not an athlete, and dad's the techno whiz." Having got their attention so he could be heard, he leaned back, letting the back of his brown hair be pressed up against the side window as they talked. "Well, normal science, anyway," the passenger quickly added. "Not to mention you and Matt still have another year at FDR." The car swerved a bitas Matt hit Chris' arm while he laughed. The pair fought a bit back and forth while he regained control. "Hey, is your clock right?" Oliver asked, causing the other two to stop for a second to check. "I think..." he began to respond, still happy. Then his voice went to a dead calm. "We're going to be late." "No, just take this exit," Matt spoke up and point toward a nearing turn. They continued the drive, in much more of a rush, but Oliver got a smile as he heard "Is this just fantasy" from the speaker behind him. He leaned forward and hit Matt's shoulder to get his attention, then pointed at the radio. As the volume went up, they began to sing with it and Chris turned the bass up, causing the car to vibrate with the song. The trip kept going, although anyone passing would have seen the odd movements from all three (including some headbanging, although the relatively short hair of all three prevented much hair movement) and possibly felt the bass. Finally, the car reached Pennslyvania St. as the song ended and More Than a Feeling came on. As it began, Matt seemed to realize something. "You're saying your rocket pack's in there?" "Whole costume. Without the rocket, it's just embarrassing." "Oh, yeah, the box on your back makes the whole color co-ordinated outfit cool," Chris sarcastically joked. "Man, even the gun's a bit sad. Remember our first tests with it?" "It's an energy blaster. And I remember you making me throw up with it," Oliver said a bit dryly. "I think I've still got a twitch from when you overloaded my nerves with it." The car pulled into a parking space and turned off. All three stepped out of the car and looked around. "Good times." Oliver smiled, then looked at his watch. "Whoops. We've only got five minutes."

It was a fairly quiet day on Route 4, which was a little odd, as most of the high schools in the city had students out to visit the various colleges. And that's exactly why the dark blue '99 Taurus was on the road. As they drove along, the guy in the back leaned up. "Hey, I'm gonna cut out early and head back on my own." He patted the bag next to him for a better explanation. "So, what, you're not going to go to Freedom College?" the driver replied, with a bit of fake shock behind his voice. "Oh, come on. We all know it'll be FCU for me, Chris. I'm not an athlete, and dad's the techno whiz." Having got their attention so he could be heard, he leaned back, letting the back of his brown hair be pressed up against the side window as they talked. "Well, normal science, anyway," the passenger quickly added. "Not to mention you and Matt still have another year at FDR." The car swerved a bitas Matt hit Chris' arm while he laughed. The pair fought a bit back and forth while he regained control. "Hey, is your clock right?" Oliver asked, causing the other two to stop for a second to check. "I think..." he began to respond, still happy. Then his voice went to a dead calm. "We're going to be late." "No, just take this exit," Matt spoke up and point toward a nearing turn. They continued the drive, in much more of a rush, but Oliver got a smile as he heard "Is this just fantasy" from the speaker behind him. He leaned forward and hit Matt's shoulder to get his attention, then pointed at the radio. As the volume went up, they began to sing with it and Chris turned the bass up, causing the car to vibrate with the song. The trip kept going, although anyone passing would have seen the odd movements from all three (including some headbanging, although the relatively short hair of all three prevented much hair movement) and possibly felt the bass. Finally, the car reached Pennslyvania St. as the song ended and More Than a Feeling came on. As it began, Matt seemed to realize something. "You're saying your rocket pack's in there?" "Whole costume. Without the rocket, it's just embarrassing." "Oh, yeah, the box on your back makes the whole color co-ordinated outfit cool," Chris sarcastically joked. "Man, even the gun's a bit sad. Remember our first tests with it?" "It's an energy blaster. And I remember you making me throw up with it," Oliver said a bit dryly. "I think I've still got a twitch from when you overloaded my nerves with it." The car pulled into a parking space and turned off. All three stepped out of the car and looked around. "Good times." Oliver smiled, then looked at his watch. "Whoops. We've only got five minutes."

Well, if everyone else is ready, I suppose we could get started- I'm not completely sure where to start, but I think a basic double checking of the roll call's a good one: Seren - Blue Blaster - Ready Thevshi - Velocity - Heridfel - Hub - Folkert - Lion - If ready in time (I'm thinking that if Lion gets added before or just after the school comes under attack - however that'll go - he should be easy enough to add in.) As for which story... I think the Mad Scientist would work best. Obviously that means we'll need a GM at some point, although how long can vary. A new thought - Hub would be free to be the tour guide, and have decent to good reason to recognize Lion if he shows up (Although, all of us might - Velocity and I both have Well-informed). Plus, it would get all three of us together in a reasonable, if unlikely, way (and really, isn't that the comic way?). If one of you two have a really good idea to set the scene, I'm fine with someone else posting first.