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Post by redbstrd on Aug 25, 2010 1:59:29 GMT -8
But I can already spot one fix... your name. It's been taken. One of the OG X-men to boot. Pick a new one. There's plenty of similar names. From the Christian angelic hierarchy, they are: Seraph, Cherub, Thronos, Arel/A'rel/Er'el, Ophan, Dominion, Virtue, Power/Potestate, Authority, Principality/Principatus, Chayot, Hayyoth, Hashmal, or Malakh. The Jewish angelic hierarchy adds: Ishim. I think the best sounding ones are Seraph, Thronos, or Dominion. Thronos has no hits on Comic Vine for hero/villain names. Dominion has a couple, but no characters appear for more than 2 issues of any comics. DC had a character named Seraph, but he lasted only 17 issues. None of them are iconic characters, so those names might work better.
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Post by redbstrd on Aug 25, 2010 2:38:21 GMT -8
Narutoanbu asked me to take a closer look at the build, so I did so. What I noticed was:
1. He has odd numbers in his Ability scores: Str 15, Wis 13. It might feel more organic and less power gaming to add odd numbers, but it really isn't a good idea. Work for efficiency because every point counts. 2. The saves are low. The attack bonus is low as well. 3. The ranks of the Benefit feat are unspecified. It looks like they might be standing in for Equipment ranks to purchase the headquarters. If not, they should be identified. Six ranks of Benefit is probably excessive if that's not supposed to be Equipment. 4. Quick Change probably isn't very useful for the character. He has an armor Device that he needs to carry around, plus he has Morph. 5. If he built his own headquarters (a rather nice one at that), he should have Craft: Structural as a skill. He should also have Computers if his parents taught him how to hack. 6. Characters with the Inventor feat should have Improvised Tools, especially if they don't purchase tools with equipment points. I learned this lesson the hard way... 7. It looks like he purchased 4 ranks of Defense based on the point totals but they aren't listed. 8. For powers, people already pointed out the AP issues. For his Flight, losing the ability to fly in liquids sounds like the Power Loss drawback. If it's any liquid (even rain), then it's worth 2 points. Otherwise, it is worth 1 pp. 9. Your sword should probably have Mighty on it so that you can take advantage of your Str bonus. 10. He doesn't hit either his offensive or defensive PL caps. 11. For the headquarters, the DC from Security Systems 2 should be 25 (the base from 1 rank is DC 20; the 2nd rank adds 5 to it).
Build revision suggestions coming shortly...
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Post by redbstrd on Aug 25, 2010 3:47:16 GMT -8
When trying to get the character to hit defensive and offensive power level caps while simultaneously boosting the saves, some cuts will have to be made. Here's one possible revision that is legal, hits PL caps, and keeps the basic core intact. Feel free to use this as a template and trash what you don't like. If I misidentified what you thought of as most important to the character, feel free to let me know.
Arch-angel
PL 10 (150 pp)
Abilities: STR: +2 (14), DEX: +2 (14), CON: +2 (14), INT: +2 (14), WIS: +1 (12), CHA: +1 (12)
Skills: Acrobatics 6 (+8), Computers 4 (+6), Craft (electronic) 8 (+10), Craft (structural) 6 (+8), Gather Information 9 (+10), Knowledge (streetwise) 8 (+10), Knowledge (technology) 8 (+10), Perform (stringed instruments) 7 (+8), Sense Motive 8 (+9)
Feats: Attack Focus (Ranged) 6, Attack Specialization 3 (Sword), Dodge Focus 2, Equipment 4, Fearless, Improved Initiative, Improvised Tools, Inventor, Luck 2
Powers: Cosmic Energy Control 10 (DC 25; Improved Range, 250 ft.) [21 pp] AP: Disintegration 4 (DC 19) AP: Healing 12 (Extra: Resurrection 7; Flaw: Empathic; PF: Persistent, Regrowth) AP: Teleport 8 (800 ft. as move action, 2000 miles as full action; PF: Change Direction, Change Velocity) Flight 5 (Speed: 250 mph, 2200 ft./rnd; Drawback: Power Loss - Not in Liquid) [9 pp] Morph 2 (Single appearance, +10 Disguise) [2 pp] Regeneration 20 (Recovery Bonus 5, Bruised 3 (1/round, no rest), Disabled 2 (1/hour), Injured 6 (1/round, no rest), Staggered 2 (1/5 mins), Resurrection 2 (1 day; Requires body); Flaw: Source - Needs one Device; PF: Persistent) [11 pp]
Device 3 Armor (Hard to lose, Restricted use: Bloodline) [13 pp] Enhanced Trait 6 (Dodge Focus 6) Feature 1 (Can turn into normal clothes) Protection 8
Device 2 Sword (Easy to lose, Restricted use: Bloodline) [7 pp] Feature 1 (Can turn into normal item) Strike 8 (DC 25; PF: Mighty)
Equipment: Headquarters (Size: Large, Toughness +15; Features: Combat Simulator, Communications, Computer, Concealed 1, Defense System, Fire Prevention System, Garage, Gym, Holding Cells, Laboratory, Library, Living Space, Power System, Security System 2, Workshop; 20 ep)
Combat: Base Attack Bonus: +4 (Ranged: +10, Melee: +4, Grapple: +6); Cosmic Energy Control +10 (DC 25), Disintegration +10 (DC Fort/Tou ), Sword +10 (DC 25), Unarmed Attack +4 (DC 17); Defense: 20 (Flat-footed: 11), Knockback: -5; Initiative: +6
Saves: Tough: +10 (+2 without armor), Fort: +7, Ref: +7, Will: +6
Totals: Abilities 20 + Skills 16 (64 ranks) + Feats 21 + Powers 66 + Combat 12 + Saves 15 + Drawbacks 0 = 150
Build notes: 1. His odd numbered ability scores got lowered, as did his Cha because he had so few Cha-based skills (it was cheaper to just pay for the bonus there). 2. He picked up the skills appropriate for his background. 3. He ditched the Quick Change and Benefit feats. His Devices' new features are cooler anyway. His Luck had to drop 1 rank. 4. His HQ lost a few features: he doesn't have the Artificer feat so he doesn't need an arcane workshop, with Healing he doesn't need an infirmary, without aircrafts or Pilot he doesn't need a hangar, etc. 5. His APs had to be gutted: PFs are twice as expensive on Disintegrate since it is really two linked powers, resurrection doesn't need to be fully ranked because that just determines the applicable timeframe, etc. 6. Penetrating and Impervious had to go from his Devices to hit the PL caps. 7. Flight and Morph had to be weakened, particularly due to the change on Flight (the Flaw was really a Drawback). 8. His Regeneration is less powerful at the high end (Resurrection, Unconscious, and Disabled) but the recovery bonus ensures that the low end (Bruise, Injured) is better. He only fails on a 1 or 2, giving a 90% success rate. Before he had a 60%. He lost Regrowth since he can just use his Healing on himself in the rare chance that he loses a limb. 9. He hits PL on his basic defensive and offensive capabilities.
Remaining issues: Most of his Defense comes from dodge bonus. If he's flat-footed, he's really easy to hit. His Regeneration makes up for that somewhat. His saves remain a bit low. His Notice roll is low as well. He has a lot of points committed to two areas: Regeneration and the Inventor/techie angle. Eliminating one would free up a lot of points to fill in any holes you see.
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Post by narutoanbu on Aug 25, 2010 9:27:01 GMT -8
So what if there is a DC guy named Arch-Angel? Im keeping the name Arch-Angel. You dont change your kids name just cause it clashes with another. I thought of the name Arch-Angel Wayyyyyy before i knew there Was a DC character named that. I mean are we going to be running into the X-men alot?
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Post by frobones on Aug 25, 2010 10:21:30 GMT -8
Two things I noticed in redbstd's rewrite:
Under feats, there is a Dodge Focus 2 and a Dodge Focus 6. I assuming one of these are suppose to be Defensive Roll?
Under Combat, his flat-footed defense is 21 (should be 11 maybe)?
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Post by frobones on Aug 25, 2010 10:25:19 GMT -8
So what if there is a DC guy named Arch-Angel? Im keeping the name Arch-Angel. You dont change your kids name just cause it clashes with another. I thought of the name Arch-Angel Wayyyyyy before i knew there Was a DC character named that. I mean are we going to be running into the X-men alot? And why are you so attached to the name? If the GM says change it you change it Oh, and what DC guy is named Arch-Angel? I sure hope you aren't confusing the Marvel and DC universes again...
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Post by The Keeper on Aug 25, 2010 10:56:32 GMT -8
So what if there is a DC guy named Arch-Angel? Im keeping the name Arch-Angel. You dont change your kids name just cause it clashes with another. I thought of the name Arch-Angel Wayyyyyy before i knew there Was a DC character named that. I mean are we going to be running into the X-men alot? And why are you so attached to the name? If the GM says change it you change it Oh, and what DC guy is named Arch-Angel? I sure hope you aren't confusing the Marvel and DC universes again... Either you change it bro or Joseph will choose a name for you and we ALL know that might not be the best idea
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Post by redbstrd on Aug 25, 2010 11:24:42 GMT -8
Two things I noticed in redbstd's rewrite: Under feats, there is a Dodge Focus 2 and a Dodge Focus 6. I assuming one of these are suppose to be Defensive Roll? Under Combat, his flat-footed defense is 21 (should be 11 maybe)? Thanks for catching those. I've edited them out. The 21 flat-footed Defense was a typo. The other one was because Hero Lab added the feats from his Devices to the feat list. He has Dodge Focus 2 as a feat and Dodge Focus 6 as part of his armor Device. I deleted the redundancy in the Feat entry.
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Post by Joseph Barros on Aug 25, 2010 11:34:29 GMT -8
So what if there is a DC guy named Arch-Angel? Im keeping the name Arch-Angel. You dont change your kids name just cause it clashes with another. I thought of the name Arch-Angel Wayyyyyy before i knew there Was a DC character named that. I mean are we going to be running into the X-men alot? A) It's a marvel character. Check him out. Archangel is NOT a minor character by any stretch of the imagination. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Worthington_III#Angel_AgainB) You can't choose the name Archangel for the same reason most people don't name their children Judas Iscariot or Napoleon Bonaparte. Just because you are ignorant of a major and iconic Marvel character doesn't make it ok. I guess it's possible someone with zero knowledge of Christianity might call their child Judas Iscariot, but boy howdy I would not want to be that kid growing up. Choose another name. Redbastard suggested a slew of them.
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Post by Joseph Barros on Aug 25, 2010 12:01:05 GMT -8
I'll let the pros continue to help you with the build, but the concept is sound. Nothing gamebreaking. Backstory issues. I'm assuming you do not mean he literally single-handedly built his headquarters brick-by-brick, (because that would just be silly) so are you constructing your base with stolen money? Are you using your knowledge of hacking as a way to get unlimited funds? This is not very heroic and I doubt your parents are going to support someone who might potentially end up as an enemy. Where are you getting your resources? Just because you can spend power points on something doesn't mean you get it no questions asked, especially if that something is as huge as being extremely wealthy. Being that wealthy has obvious benefits, but also brings many inherent complications. Just ask Stephen. Your girlfriend knows you are the son of the bad guys, but not that he has an alternate super hero identity? Just clarifying so I understand. Your parents destroyed an entire city on a job you were involved in. I am assuming there is officially a warrant out for your arrest and you are using your morph ability to hide? If not, please explain. Your character concept is very intriguing and has a lot of potential, but is currently lacking many vital details necessary for it to maintain some sense of believability... even for a 4-color comic book world. Also, please proofread your backstories. Slang is mostly ok and I don't expect perfect structure, (I don't pay that close attention to my own) but you can do much better at spelling, capitalization, and the use of complete sentences. These are not things teachers teach just to annoy you, they teach them so when people read your writing they don't want to gouge their eyes out; a key component in getting people to treat you seriously.
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Post by frobones on Aug 25, 2010 15:35:39 GMT -8
Being that wealthy has obvious benefits, but also brings many inherent complications. Just ask Stephen. Yea, being wealthy has it pros and cons. It usually means you are successful, which usually means you are under the public eye. Honestly, if it weren't for my dupes I don't think Yulis could ever sneak away from a stockholders meeting or a press conference just to go fight crime. Not to mention taking the time to run the business. I know Bruce Wayne does it, but look at the toll it takes on him. Having Wealth is just more responsibility - and we all know how the saying goes: "With great power comes great responsibility". So, add on the responsibility of being wealthy onto your already hectic super hero life. If anything, being Wealthy deserves to be a complication on your hero sheet. Slang is mostly ok and I don't expect perfect structure, (I don't pay that close attention to my own) but you can do much better at spelling, capitalization, and the use of complete sentences. These are not things teachers teach just to annoy you, they teach them so when people read your writing they don't want to gouge their eyes out; a key component in getting people to treat you seriously. Horrendously bad grammar is like placing hurdles in your story. It makes it harder for the reader and turns them away from it. They cause unnecessary stops in the flow of understanding, detaching away from the awesomeness the story may have. I know when I'm reading an ill put sentence I'm constantly thinking to myself "Why is this sentence so bad... when will it stop" - instead of admiring the creative content it holds. The preview button is your friend... I used it about 3 times before making this post.
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Post by reiphil on Aug 25, 2010 16:13:44 GMT -8
So what if there is a DC guy named Arch-Angel? Im keeping the name Arch-Angel. You dont change your kids name just cause it clashes with another. I thought of the name Arch-Angel Wayyyyyy before i knew there Was a DC character named that. I mean are we going to be running into the X-men alot? A) It's a marvel character. Check him out. Archangel is NOT a minor character by any stretch of the imagination. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Worthington_III#Angel_AgainB) You can't choose the name Archangel for the same reason most people don't name their children Judas Iscariot or Napoleon Bonaparte. Just because you are ignorant of a major and iconic Marvel character doesn't make it ok. I guess it's possible someone with zero knowledge of Christianity might call their child Judas Iscariot, but boy howdy I would not want to be that kid growing up. Choose another name. Redbastard suggested a slew of them. Name one of your kids Adolf Hitler. Do it.
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Post by Joseph Barros on Aug 25, 2010 17:06:03 GMT -8
Actually Bruce Wayne doesn't "do it." He has a board of directors not unlike the one you have. Except Wayne Corp. positions aren't filled by dupes. But yeah, doing it that way is not without it's problems. Stephen will find this out when we return to Paragons at PL 10. (BLATANT FORESHADOWING ALERT!)
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Post by frobones on Aug 25, 2010 17:51:43 GMT -8
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Post by redbstrd on Aug 25, 2010 21:26:32 GMT -8
Yeah, that's important information. Remember, though, that while Regeneration has to work from the worst conditions to least severe, people usually take a number of small hits which weakens them to the point where they take a big hit. This trend will be particularly pronounced with the house rule that the first hit can only be a Bruise, the second hit can only be a Bruise or Bruise/Stun, etc. Consequently, people who focus most on the least severe (and most often applied) damage conditions will probably be more successful characters. When heroes need to worry about healing a Staggered condition every round, the fight is pretty much over.
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