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Old 08-31-2017, 12:50 PM   #1
Phantasm
 
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Default Superhero Template Ideas

I'm starting game prep for a superhero game set in my Marvel Reboot universe but taking place in what is considered the "pre-modern" era (meaning before the Fantastic Four gained their powers), during the time I designated as the era of the outlaw team known as the Shadowguard (of which Charles Xavier and Magneto were members), set in the early 1990s.

Character generation will take place in two phases: build the character with a pre-powers template, and then add powers. Racial packages such as the Skrulls, Inhumans, Atlanteans, etc. will be part of the "powers", as are "super-normal" packages (centered around cinematic advantages Gunslinger, Trained By a Master, Weapon Master, etc.)

I've begun work on the pre-powers templates, but I don't have anything to share as yet. (I'm pondering permitting the templates in Action as well, but I have to read through it again to be sure.) Ideas for the templates so far are:

Civilian Adventurer - An untrained adventurer who relies mainly on hir wits and powers as opposed to any specialized training or skill set. Ex: Dazzler, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner (especially starting off).

Criminal - A streetwise inner city adventurer, often with a criminal record. Lenses intended for thieves (pickpockets, cat burglars) and street toughs. Ex: Black Cat, Luke Cage.

Debutante - Money talks, and good looks make things easier. Almost always rich, but may be a struggling model or actor/actress. Ex: Warren Worthington/Angel, Janet van Dyne/Wasp.

Engineer - An inventor or tinkerer who replies on technical prowess as much as his powers. Often (but not always) a tech-based adventurer. Ex: Tony Stark., Beetle.

Martial Artist - A highly capable combatant who knows little outside of combat. Usually but not always a "super-normal". Ex: Iron Fist, X-23, Cassandra Cain/Batgirl.

Scientist - Chemist, physicist, biologist, or other scientific discipline - or a multidisciplinary scientist - who may have given himself or others powers, intentionally or by accident. Ex: Reed Richards, Hank Pym, Bruce Banner.

Sleuth - An investigative specialist, either a former police officer or a private eye, or just someone with an eye for detail. Ex: Jessica Jones, Clark Kent.

Soldier - A more worldly combatant to whom life is more than just fighting. May or may not have actually served in a military. Ex: Cable, Punisher, Cyclops, Wolverine.

Super-Spy - A trained espionage specialist. Usually but not always a "super-normal". Ex: Black Widow.


Anything I might have missed?
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Old 08-31-2017, 12:58 PM   #2
Kelly Pedersen
 
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

"Athlete" might be one to add - it's somewhat similar to Martial Artist, in that they rely on being highly skilled in physical activities, but with more of a focus on acrobatics, running, climbing, etc. Dick Grayson, "Robin 1"/"Nightwing", might be an example.
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:05 PM   #3
Fred Brackin
 
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

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Originally Posted by Phantasm View Post

Anything I might have missed?
How about "Mystic Dabbler". people who are involved with the supernatural but do not have broad-based or extensive training as a sorcerer. Anthony Druid, Brother Voodoo, Werewolf by Night various other supernatural heroes and anti-heroes.

Also, "Outsider" for people who aren't from around here. This is the skills/background package to accompany those exotic Racial options.
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:07 PM   #4
Mark Skarr
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

"Manual Laborer" for those who did a lot of physical work, but don't really qualify as an athlete. Construction worker, farmer, etc.

"Charlatan" for someone who, while not necessarily a criminal makes their living by somewhat shady means. Could be a fake psychic or the like.

"Entertainer" for those who make their living as an entertainer (Dazzler).
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:22 PM   #5
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

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Originally Posted by Phantasm View Post
Anything I might have missed?
The Explorer gained their abilities by going into a remote part of the earth and encountering some mysterious phenomenon.

The Sleeper entered some form of suspended animation decades, centuries, or millennia ago and has now been reawakened, either by accident or because they're needed.
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:24 PM   #6
Kelly Pedersen
 
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

Another idea might be an "inventor" separate from the Engineer. There are a fair number of heroes (the Golden Age Sandman, Hourman, and Starman all spring to mind) who invent one thing, which they use in their heroing, but otherwise don't really build new stuff or exhibit much technical knowledge.
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:37 PM   #7
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

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Old 08-31-2017, 06:11 PM   #8
robkelk
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

Mystic - has a wide range of abilities (magical or otherwise, but magic is the usual power source) and a relatively large amount of esoteric knowledge (Hidden Lore, etc.). Knowledge of the mundane world is optional, which is what sets this apart from Fred's "Mystic Dabbler".
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Old 08-31-2017, 06:12 PM   #9
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Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

Law Enforcement: A local cop or federal agent who gets powers in an on the job accident or is deliberately given them in an experiment.

Student: Someone still in school who got powers by accident and has to balance heroics with academics. Or they could have been an experimental subject to get money to pay for school, which might make them beholden to the people behind the experiment.

Soldier: A member of the armed forces who volunteers for an experiment in granting powers or is part of an elite unit with battlesuits.
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Old 08-31-2017, 06:19 PM   #10
David Johnston2
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Default Re: Superhero Template Ideas

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantasm View Post
I'm starting game prep for a superhero game set in my Marvel Reboot universe but taking place in what is considered the "pre-modern" era (meaning before the Fantastic Four gained their powers), during the time I designated as the era of the outlaw team known as the Shadowguard (of which Charles Xavier and Magneto were members), set in the early 1990s.

Character generation will take place in two phases: build the character with a pre-powers template, and then add powers. Racial packages such as the Skrulls, Inhumans, Atlanteans, etc. will be part of the "powers", as are "super-normal" packages (centered around cinematic advantages Gunslinger, Trained By a Master, Weapon Master, etc.)

I've begun work on the pre-powers templates, but I don't have anything to share as yet. (I'm pondering permitting the templates in Action as well, but I have to read through it again to be sure.) Ideas for the templates so far are:

Civilian Adventurer - An untrained adventurer who relies mainly on hir wits and powers as opposed to any specialized training or skill set. Ex: Dazzler, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner (especially starting off).

Criminal - A streetwise inner city adventurer, often with a criminal record. Lenses intended for thieves (pickpockets, cat burglars) and street toughs. Ex: Black Cat, Luke Cage.

Debutante - Money talks, and good looks make things easier. Almost always rich, but may be a struggling model or actor/actress. Ex: Warren Worthington/Angel, Janet van Dyne/Wasp.

Engineer - An inventor or tinkerer who replies on technical prowess as much as his powers. Often (but not always) a tech-based adventurer. Ex: Tony Stark., Beetle.

Martial Artist - A highly capable combatant who knows little outside of combat. Usually but not always a "super-normal". Ex: Iron Fist, X-23, Cassandra Cain/Batgirl.

Scientist - Chemist, physicist, biologist, or other scientific discipline - or a multidisciplinary scientist - who may have given himself or others powers, intentionally or by accident. Ex: Reed Richards, Hank Pym, Bruce Banner.

Sleuth - An investigative specialist, either a former police officer or a private eye, or just someone with an eye for detail. Ex: Jessica Jones, Clark Kent.

Soldier - A more worldly combatant to whom life is more than just fighting. May or may not have actually served in a military. Ex: Cable, Punisher, Cyclops, Wolverine.

Super-Spy - A trained espionage specialist. Usually but not always a "super-normal". Ex: Black Widow.


Anything I might have missed?
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