Interest Check: A World of Heroes

Look, it's a simple thing, ?????. If you're knocked to the ground, attacked while distracted, or whatever, you will fall to the ground. That's the Rec RD we're using.

No more no less.

Although I agree with Sabre and I'd also like to add that one.

That's the thing, though.

If you're knocked flat on the ground, how are you going to knock them to the ground in turn? You're lying flat on the ground!

Not for long enough to matter. It would take several seconds to get the handcuffs on him, less than that for him to have gotten up and retalliated.

edited 2nd May '11 9:12:46 PM by ?????

The thing is, there's literally no warning from a long-range bullet. The muzzle flash is too far away to see, and the bullet is faster than sound. Reflexes only work upon some stimulus, and the only stimulus is the bullet impact.

He'd have to have a forcefield up preemptively (at which point no sniper would shoot him from that angle), or else he'd have to form the counterattack as the bullet is drilling into his body, at mach-one-plus I should note. Not only that, the counterattack would likely miss the sniper since the bullet follows a ballistic arc while the energy counterattack would have to go in a straight line. Just making that clear.

edited 2nd May '11 9:13:06 PM by SabresEdge

The counterattack does form as the bullet is going into him, and he has no real control over his power. That's what the "reflex" modifier means.

The Force field doesn't imply defense, it implies "created out of thin air"

edited 2nd May '11 9:20:41 PM by ?????

But easily enough time for the officer to pin him to the ground.

True enough, though that gives him the strengh of both the initial push and the pin, after which he's back to acting under his own volition.

His powers are Awesome, but Impractical, with several counters. But being knocked over isn't one of them.

edited 2nd May '11 9:18:46 PM by ?????

This is starting to turn into a discussion thread more than a sign-up thread, so I suggest starting one for hammering out these issues.

Cygan: I think we're approaching this the wrong way. This character sounds far too broken. I suggest nerfing

I'm willing to listen to any suggestions. But the smartass who comes up with no nerfing better have a good argument.

See, here's the thing. I really don't like the idea of a character who could take out anyone one-on-one.

I'm agreeing with Juan.

Here's the discussion thread.

Cygan, please put it in the OP as well.

Suggestion: remove the "reflexive" and/or the "no damage taken" clauses. Sure, he can fire back a projectile of energy if he's shot in the chest—but he's still been shot in the chest. Or else he can form a reflexive energy fist after he's been decked in the chin—but whether or not his counterattack connects, he's still been decked in the chin and is probably slumped unconscious.

That runs into issues when we're dealing with non-kinetic attacks, though. What do we do when he's being grappled, for instance? Or if he's just been tased?

EDIT: got ninja'd by the discussion. Move it over there?

edited 2nd May '11 9:31:41 PM by SabresEdge

I'm willing to make changes. I was just trying to make it clear what I'd written.

Wait, what "no damage taken clause"? I never said he didn't get hurt.

Yeah, I'll check the discussion.

edited 2nd May '11 9:35:16 PM by ?????

Can I still join up?

Yes ^_^

But of course.

I'm in can i do a John Constantine style character?

edited 3rd May '11 11:44:41 AM by vanthebaron

I suggest making a profile of the character according to the format, and then they can look it over.

@van: Sorry, but no. We already agreed on the fact that such a character would be an NPC.

Well, I suppose that if you need more registered heroes, I can give this a shot.

• Codename: Houdini
• Real Name: Alan Q. Sullivan
• Powers/Skills:
  • Phasing, to the extent of which while doing so he also has the ability to effectively walk on substances such as air or water so long as he remains intangible. He can not, however, phase through certain energy fields (such as force fields), as they interfere with his phasing process as if they might as well be solid walls.
  • Master of Illusion, which comes as a result of years of working as a magician. This is not a power, however, and requires either careful misdirection on the part of Houdini, special preparation, special equipment, or a combination of the above. Consequently, this also results in him usually having a 'showman' type larger than life attitude while acting as 'Houdini'.
• Rank: ?
• Status: Government Payroll
• Takedown Recommendations: ?
• Age: 45
• Backstory: Originally a popular magician and stage performer who made his 'Houdini'-level escapes the centerpiece of his performances thanks to his phasing abilities, he turned to crime after certain rivals framed up a fake version of how he actually did it and the result started turning away would-be audiences. After years of being a supervillain, he eventually 'supposedly' reformed due to tiring of the cycle that being a villain put him in (commit evil, get caught, break free, rinse and repeat) and deciding that being a bad guy just wasn't worth it. He instead effectively retired, making a living off his past life by writing books about it and licenscing the rights to his 'Houdini' character, though the law still keeps a very close eye on him. However, due to his past, and his 'questionable' character, there are still many in the superhero community that view him with suspicion. After the passage of the Super Registration Act 2012, he was 'persuaded' to come out of retirement to help hunt down wanted superheroes. Being a former villain comes with those kinds of strings.
• Appearance: Normally, a well-to do fancy-looking gentleman with a small but fancy mustache. While operating as 'Houdini', his preferred look is a stage magicians suit, complete with a cane (which he uses to help him pull off his illusion schtick) and top hat (likewise), complete with a mask that gives his head a blank appearance as if came off of one of those posable art dummies.

edited 3rd May '11 7:24:41 PM by SpaceJawa

@ space Jawa: Sounds interesting.

You are aware that underneath a city is crisscrossed with electrical wiring, yes?

I guess I hadn't thought about it that much. Initially I considered just making that part apply to the energy fields, but thought maybe I should add in the electrical part too for one reason or another. I'd probably remove the electricity part if that'd be alright.

You'd still be able to phase in through windows, for instance, or brick...

Mister Miracle, nice.

Anyway, I approve of the character (Not like you needed the double approval, but whatever)

I do agree with Cygan on that the removal would work better. It'd be a practially unsuable power if that critera was put there.

edited 3rd May '11 7:23:32 PM by juancarlos

The original inspiration came from Mysterio, actually. Some people may prefer Green Goblin or Doc Ock or Venom, but fishbowl head is my own personal favorite Spider-Man villain.

Also, edited. It's now just the energy fields that block him.

edited 3rd May '11 7:26:08 PM by SpaceJawa